Wiltshire women equipped to provide first line support

Domestic abuse experts, Society Without Abuse, has been equipping women from across Wiltshire with the knowledge to help victims of domestic abuse in the county.

The charity has been working with Wiltshire’s Women’s Institute to train at least 100 members as Ambassadors.  Through a combination of online and in person training, women have been learning about different types of abuse, including physical, sexual, economic, coercive control, stalking and harassment, as well as how to signpost victims to the services to help them escape and recover from the trauma.

Tackling domestic abuse has been a longstanding concern for the WI. In 1975 the WI campaigned for the funding of refuges in every county, in 1988 the WI worked to make sure that domestic abuse survivors were able to access justice through the courts and in 1993 it sought to ensure that domestic abuse was adequately defined in law.

Gill Gibson-Piggott of The Wiltshire Federation of Women’s Institutes, said: “Because of our history of standing up for women’s causes, the WI should be a natural safe space for women. Our hope is simply that, by creating SWA Ambassadors in every Wiltshire WI and talking about domestic abuse more openly, victims feel able to seek support sooner.  If just one victim reaches out for help via this work it will have been worthwhile.”

Lesley Eacopo, who is a member of Bromham WI, said of the training: “By bringing this to a WI meeting and saying we have done the Ambassador training, it can start planting the seed of support and we hope that the seed germinates and victims of domestic abuse start talking about it.  It’s aspects such as being aware of someone who comes to our meeting and ways they may change, for example where they were once engaging and then they may stop, that will make us start asking the right questions.”

Sandie Lewis of Steeple Ashton WI, said: “With what we’ve learnt we can help people to think about their own friends and family and give them the opportunity to support their friends and daughters.”

Kate Rowland, CEO of SWA, said: “Domestic abuse continues to be so prevalent in our communities because it is so hidden.  By having a network of Ambassadors throughout the Wiltshire community, we can help to ensure that anyone who might be in need of help can be identified and supported, either by us or one of our partner organisations in the county.  

“Domestic abuse can affect anyone of any age or background but people are often wary about asking the difficult questions when they first spot the signs.  By being able to equip so many women across Wiltshire with the knowledge and confidence to just ask those questions and be able to tell others where help is available will have a long-lasting impact on one day bringing an end to domestic abuse in our society.”

For more information on SWA, visit www.societywithoutabuse.org.uk

If you need advice for yourself or a friend relating to Domestic Abuse, call Swindon’s domestic abuse helpline on 01793 610610.