Representatives from the Midsomer Norton Children’s Centre have this week put forward a case asking for money to be invested in an outreach programme for victims of domestic violence, after revealing that there is a high volume of local families experiencing domestic violence or abuse – with a startling 1,994 reported incidents in the Somer Valley alone in the past year.

Addressing the Town Council, the team said that there was no doubt that there are many more cases, with the figure above only being made available to them by the police, with potentially many more that go unreported. The Children’s Centre is concerned about the impact that these incidents will be having on local children’s emotional and social well-being, and asked the Town Council to consider help with funding a project called The Freedom Programme, which is run by the charity, Julian House.

Noting that the Somer Valley incident rate is significantly higher than Bath, they said that levels locally were “scarily high” and are “something to be concerned about.” From August 2015 – February 2016 there were 211 reported incidents in Midsomer Norton, 447 in Radstock, 147 in Peasedown St John and 196 in Paulton, with Midsomer Norton having the highest level of increase.

The problem for many, they say, is isolation in rural communities, with it being very difficult for those to access help in the city. Of all of those affected locally, only one or two have accessed support in Bath – providing a case for much-needed support in the local area.

Whilst acknowledging that women alone are by no means the sole victims of domestic violence, the Freedom Programme is an educational service for women experiencing abuse to equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to protect themselves and their children from their partner, including in same sex relationships. It works on understanding controlling and destructive relationships and runs weekly for up to two hours.

The programme gives attendees the flexibility to join at any time they like and to opt in and out each week, with a free crèche available, so children can be looked after whilst mothers receive help – currently, there is only one group running in Bath. It aims to empower women to make positive changes in their lives, and to build confidence and self-esteem in a safe and confidential environment. There is also the opportunity to have a pre- one-to-one meeting, to make sure the service is appropriate for those seeking help.

Midsomer Norton Town Council agreed to look further into the issue and to see if there would be the opportunity for a community grant application, which is offered quarterly, or for a Commissioned Grant application, which could be accessible far sooner. The cost to run one of the twelve-week Freedom Programmes is £5,255, with attendees using the service for free. As it stands, there appears to be no provisional B&NES funding for domestic violence, which is reportedly being challenged – as some believe that the Local Authority should have a statutory duty. But with funds difficult to come by in local government, this seems unlikely to happen.

Avon and Somerset Police have this week welcomed the rise in figures, interpreting it as more victims coming forward. Supt Andy Bennett, force lead for Domestic Abuse, said: “Tackling domestic abuse is a force priority and any increase in the number of reported incidents is pleasing, as it reflects the increased confidence that victims have in us, as well as the recent changes we’ve made to improve the quality of our crime recording.

“However, we know crimes are still going unreported and we want to see the figure increase further; we don’t want any victims to suffer in silence.

“For the highest risk cases of domestic abuse, multi-agency risk assessment conferences (Maracs) are utilised to ensure the long-term safeguarding of victims. And in relation to the Bath and North East Somerset area, we have not witnessed any specific increase in Maracs.

“Supporting victims is also a force priority and we are committed to ensuring they are satisfied with the service they receive. And our Lighthouse Victim Care project, an integrated scheme designed to support vulnerable victims throughout the police investigation, right through the criminal justice process to court, has recently been recognised by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary.”

If you have been affected by domestic violence, regardless of gender, contact the police via 101 or call the 24-hour National Domestic Violence Helpline on: 0808 2000 247. For more information on the Freedom Programme, visit: www.freedomprogramme.co.uk