New course in Weston to help tackle domestic abuse

More than 6,000 North Somerset people were abused last year by their partners, according to figures just released.

A new, free, half-day course is being offered to help the North Somerset community respond to domestic abuse. 

The course is aimed at workers, volunteers, members of community groups and others who may come across someone living with domestic abuse. 

Participants are not expected to have prior knowledge of domestic abuse. 

Based on British Crime Survey statistics more than 6,000 women experience domestic abuse each year in North Somerset, and some research suggests that as many as one in six men may also suffer domestic abuse at some point in their lives.  

At the end of the half-day course participants will understand more about what domestic abuse is, why people stay and its impact on families. 

Most importantly, people will be more confident in supporting anyone experiencing domestic abuse and will know where to suggest they seek support.

The course runs from 9.30am-1pm on: 

• Tuesday, February 5 - Asda, Weston-super-Mare;
• Monday, February 18 -Clevedon Community Association; 
• Tuesday, February 26 - Scotch Horn Leisure Centre, Nailsea; 
• Tuesday, March 19  - Asda, Weston-super-Mare;
• Tuesday, March 26 - Scotch Horn Leisure Centre, Nailsea; and 
• Monday, April 8  - Clevedon Community Association. 

To book a place contact domestic abuse co-ordinator Louise Branch with your preferred date by emailing louise.branch@n-somerset.gov.uk or telephoning 01934 426343. 

Courses which cover the issue in greater detail are also available and Louise has more information on these.

This course is being offered by the multi-agency Safer and Stronger North Somerset Domestic Abuse Strategy Group, part of the North Somerset Partnership. 

This is North Somerset's local strategic partnership, made up of representatives from the private, voluntary and public sectors working together to improve quality of life for people living in North Somerset.