Earlier this year a group linked to Stevenage Borough Council which aims to raise awareness about domestic abuse and help victims, set up a special safe house for women and men affected by it.
Stevenage Against Domestic Abuse set up the fully equipped flat where victims can rest and seek advice and help while they work out how to go forward with their lives.
One of the first women to use the flat told the Comet her story:
She said: “I was referred through work because I had concerns about a family member with mental health problems.
“The police were involved and it got to the point where it felt unsafe in the property.
“Having that bit of time out gave me a chance to get out of the situation with my daughter and get my own thoughts together without fear of violence.
“SADA talked to me about the problems I had and showed me to the flat.
“It gives you that place to go when there is nowhere else.
“You can get a decent night’s sleep and feel safe.
“My situation has now improved with the support of other services
“SADA are still there if I need them. It’s a lot better knowing there is someone there to talk to if something happens.
“The staff were very helpful and the flat was absolutely brilliant, a really lovely place where you can have a break from things.”
16 Days of Action:
Stevenage Against Domestic Abuse is continuing its growing campaign by organising a series of events and activities to coincide with the national campaign 16 Days of Action Against Domestic Violence which began on November 25.
SADA which works in partnership with Stevenage Borough Council, has organised for 250,000 bus tickets to be available for bus users which will contain information on how Stevenage people – both men and women – can seek help with domestic abuse.
The tickets will be in use on all Arriva bus services to and from Stevenage for the duration of the campaign which lasts until December 10.
SADA officer Sarah Pateman said it’s important to make people aware that domestic abuse is out there and needs to be dealt with as a lot of people still ignore it.
As part of the days of Action, SADA’s Forum - a group of people who have suffered domestic abuse – held a stall in the town centre on November 29.
Then on December 15 there will be a Christmas party for all the children who have been linked to SADA with fun and entertainment.
If you would like to donate gifts for the children at the party you should take them to Stevenage Borough Council’s offices in Danestrete and mark them for the attention of Sarah Pateman.
SADA runs a drop-in session led by its Forum members every week and offers help and advice to people affected by these issues.
A good first point of contact is the council’s customer services centre on Danestrete. Alternatively you can call 01438 242242.
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