Domestic violence scheme helps 100 victims
ADOMESTIC violence pilot scheme in Runcorn has helped more than 100 victims since February, say its backers.
Operation Enhance is being run by Cheshire police and Halton Council and uses early intervention with a face-to-face consultation to work out what help and services are needed.
Dwayne Johnson, the council’s communities director, told the borough’s safer policy and performance board that the scheme was ‘running very effectively’ and had been well received by victims.
He said the scheme used trained domestic abuse specialists to complete risk assessments, which has led to more high-risk cases being identified, a bigger caseload and quicker action.
A report produced by Mr Johnson said that the operation was also having more success with previously ‘hard-to-reach’ victims, because the service was effectively on their doorstep.
Full findings of the pilot scheme will be published by The University Of Chester once researchers have had time to study the results after the initiative ends on August 1.
Chief Inspector Deborah Hooper, of Runcorn Local Policing Unit, said: “The operation works by providing secondary face-to-face support to victims of partner-related domestic abuse.
“The visits are carried out in partnership by police officers and domestic abuse advocates.
“By conducting these face-toface visits, domestic abuse vic- tims are able to access support earlier than they have previously been able to.
“Historically, domestic abuse victims have also had difficulty accessing some of the support which is available to them.”
Victims of domestic violence and abuse or anyone who thinks they know someone who may be suffering can call or text Halton Domestic Abuse Service on 0300 111 1247.
Alternatively, call Cheshire police on 101.
Always call 999 in an emergency.