Report - London Borough of Hillingdon

Hillingdon Domestic Violence Strategy 08/2005
There is a dedicated domestic violence coordinator within the unit, funded by Social Services
to assist many of the victims and advise them on injunctions, civil actions, refuges etc. and
provide the much needed support and reassurance the vulnerable victim needs.
The Crime Prevention officers specialising in domestic violence issues work closely with the
CSU and advise on security for the home address. They have been instrumental in setting up
the Hillingdon Sanctuary Scheme in partnership with Hillingdon Homes, Careline, Housing,
Shepherds Bush Housing Association and outreaching local locksmiths whilst monitoring cost
effectiveness, impact upon the victim and maintenance of security measures installed.
Voluntary Services
1. Support Services
Shepherd Bush Housing Association (SBHA) provides floating support to victim of domestic
violence. The support is practical and includes emotional advice to women all over the
borough. They also offer a limited counselling service as well as advocating on behalf of their
clients with regard to housing and benefits.
The domestic violence floating support service (DVFSS) provided by SBHA operates a
counselling service for women who are supported through the floating support service or who
live in the refuge or the safe houses. 2 Counsellors see 8 clients per week between them.
2. Accommodation based services
SBHA provides a refuge for seven women and their children as well as 2 safe houses for 11
single women. There is also a Play worker who offers individual support, a Family Counsellor
for mothers and children, as well as a Play Therapist who offers group activities and support
to the children. All of these services are funded through the Children's Fund.
SBHA has obtained funding to set up a residential for ex-refuge tenants and their children
who have remained in the borough which will offer confidence building and self-esteem
raising sessions as well as getting valuable feedback from the service users to effect tailor
future service provision.
3. Advocacy services
The DVFSS supports women using the legal system by accompanying clients to solicitors
appointments or to court, and where appropriate, liasing with Victim Support Witness Service
and other Court Support Services.
Hillingdon Women’s Centre provides a limited legal service run on a voluntary basis.
Sure Start provides a range of services and support to families within their areas, including
specific groups and links to specialist agencies to ensure a network of provision to increase
safety and choices available to victims. There are links between Hillingdon and the local
programme. Sure start offers key staff allocated according to need and as appropriate uses
other agency input and support. Services include family support workers across all
programmes, which provides support for young and/or vulnerable mothers, a key worker
system of individual support for women or children, crèche and play workers to support
attendance at groups and to support the parents relationship with the child.
4. Outreach
Hillingdon has invested in a Primary Well being Pilot project to promote the emotional health
and well being of primary school aged children. The pilot includes in-service training for
PART 1 – MEMBERS, PUBLIC AND PRESS
Cabinet report 10 th November 2005 Page 82