Domestic abuse service in Cumbria awarded respect accreditation

A programme in Cumbria that aims to reduce abusive traits in relationships has been given the Government’s Respect Accreditation. Turning the Spotlight is provided by the organisation, Victim Support, and is an innovative, early intervention project that addresses behaviours within a relationship that are abusive or have the potential to become abusive.

Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Peter McCall, alongside other organisations including Cumbria County Council, funds Victim Support services,  for the whole county with the aim to reduce and prevent domestic abuse incidents. The PCC also funds other services to reduce domestic abuse and support victims across the county, including Victim Support, Safety Net and Brigdeway.

Turning the Spotlight is a voluntary service that supports people to address the issues that are impacting their relationships through three courses – including a more advanced one focusing on the affects domestic abuse has on children and how to create a more peaceful home life.

The level one Respect Accreditation that Turning the Spotlight have recently earned is nationally recognised for organisations working with victims and offenders of domestic violence. The award highlights services that can ensure that they are meeting the needs of service users with the safety of survivors and their children being their main priority.

Police and Crime Commissioner, Peter McCall, said: “Domestic abuse is a very serious offence and it won’t be tolerated in Cumbria.

“Turning the Spotlight is a fantastic programme which helps perpetrators of domestic abuse to understand what is and is not healthy and acceptable in relationships, how to communicate better with their partner and manage their emotions so that it does not result in abusive behaviours.

“It’s great to see that the service has been recognised nationally as it is much deserved.”

Claire Powell, Victim Support Area Manager, said: “We are really pleased to have gained Respect Accreditation.

“It has enabled us to really look at our practice and ensure that we are working in a manner that is not only beneficial to clients but is working within a robust and safe framework.

“Being Respect accredited means that other agencies and individuals can have the confidence that our service is safe and effective and will hopefully encourage more people to enrol with us for support.”

If you, or somebody you know is experiencing domestic abuse or if you recognise your behaviour is or has the potential to become abuse then contact Victim Support on 0300 303 0157 or visit www.victimsupport.org.uk for more information on how we can help.

Watch Peter McCall congratulate Turning the Spotlight here: https://www.facebook.com/CumbriaPCC/videos/2635322033251972/