Anger as domestic violence support centre closes
ADOMESTIC abuse charity has been forced to close after serving the Valley for two decades.
The STAR Centre, which was established in 1996 and had its head office in the borough, provided support to those experiencing domestic abuse and violence.
The centre closed its doors the day after staff and trustees held a public extraordinary general meeting to evaluate its future. It comes after the decision by Lancashire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Clive Grunshaw, to award a £6.6m contract to provide the services from a national charity, rather than the existing local bases.
The STAR centre had provided its services, which also helped victims of forced marriage, as part of the pan-Lancashire consortium Safer Together, which was unsuccessful in its bid to the crime commissioner.
Eden ward councillor Janice Johnson attended the final meeting at the centre. She said: “I used to run a nursery and after school clubs so over the years I have referred many families to the STAR centre and have seen their work and dedication over 20-odd years.
“The closure is very upsetting. A resident in my ward used the STAR centre three years ago, and she wanted me to thank the staff and volunteers for all their amazing work.” Coun Johnson added: “It’s another thing for Rossendale to have lost. There is an outreach service from Victim Support and they will come out and meet you, but I think we need a building in Rossendale for people who need to seek help. I really do think it will be harder for victims to access support.”
Before its closure the STAR Centre had hoped to specialise and offer a ‘holistic service’ for women and girls, focusing on preventative, recovery and progression.
It had been supported over the Christmas period with a £25,000 grant from Rossendale council, but the meeting on March 30 concluded that without further funding opportunities they would have to close.
Victim Support began its three-year contract in April and will deliver Lancashire Victim Services and Nest Lancashire - services for young crime victims, as well as specialist support for those who have experienced domestic abuse, sexual violence and hate crime from four local bases across Lancashire.
However, the nearest drop-in centre will be based outside the Valley.
Ellen Miller, victim services director at Victim Support, said: ” Victims of domestic abuse can access specialist support through Lancashire Victim Services.
“The support is delivered locally and victims can access the help they need in a way that suits them best.”