Police in Peterborough hope a new scheme will help more victims of domestic violence leave abusers
The scheme helps victims by providing them with emergency “grab bags" filled with essentials
Police in Peterborough say a new scheme could help victims of domestic abuse get their independence back.
It aims to help people fleeing by providing them with emergency bags filled with essentials.
It comes as there was an estimated 7,000 victims of domestic abuse in the city in 2022 to 2023.
The victim had nothing; often victims leave dangerous situations with just the clothes on their backs
Around 80 bags filled with essentials such as mobile phones with credit, toothbrushes, toiletries and snacks have been donated to Cambridgeshire Constabulary by Amazon and Tesco in Peterborough.
Early Intervention Domestic Abuse Advisor (EIDAA) Shauna Wiles, based in the force’s Demand Hub, said:
“It will make such a difference having that additional practical support.”
“I read about it in a VAWG (violence against women and girls) newsletter, and I remembered an incident where we helped a woman in Peterborough, who had gone through such an ordeal,” she said. “She had escaped from her abuser - but he had taken her phone."
“The victim had nothing; often victims leave dangerous situations with just the clothes on their backs."
"To be able to give that extra practical help to victims having to escape at short notice would really help.”
It will make such a difference having practical support
In addition, a number of bags have also been donated for the children of victims, which include colouring books, crayons and playing cards.
All bags will be distributed to Peterborough, March, Wisbech, Huntingdon, Ely, and Cambridge stations.
DCI Dave Taylor, who has helped to distribute the bags, said:
“This is a fantastic scheme which will boost the support we provide to victims of domestic abuse who have to leave an unsafe environment."
“This initiative will support front-line officers in providing quick-time emergency support for victims and their children.”