Initiative Launched to Address Domestic Abuse in Rural Gloucestershire

An initiative has been initiated to confront domestic abuse within rural Gloucestershire, following reports of numerous incidents over the past year. Tewkesbury Borough Council has committed to intensifying its efforts to address this issue by providing training for its staff and councillors, and by urging parish councils to participate in this training. The Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Support Service (GDASS) handled over 788 incidents in the Tewkesbury borough during 2023. Council members have expressed apprehension that domestic abuse typically persists 25% longer in the majority of rural regions, with abusers leveraging isolation as a tactic. Among the reports received by GDASS last year, 135 pertained to individuals deemed to be in immediate peril, as reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service. Councillor Liz Skelt introduced a motion urging Tewkesbury Borough Council to enact the primary objective of the prevention and early intervention segment of the Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse strategy. Ms. Skelt additionally voiced worries regarding insufficient funding for rural policing, informing the council that a recent examination by the National Rural Crime Network indicated that domestic abuse is considerably more severe in rural locales. “There is more isolation, with less police and support places, poor internet and mobile phone coverage, and less public transport,” she said. Ms. Skelt remarked that the council “should be really proud” given that the Gloucestershire House of Partnerships assisted in outlining the domestic abuse strategies, and she expressed “nothing but praise” for the officers who work with domestic abuse victims, particularly concerning emergency housing. “We have dedicated people working with us,” she said. “We need to implement this section of the domestic strategy so we can help the victims access the extra services we have at our council.” The council’s vote to endorse the motion was unanimous. It consented to furnish training for all management and frontline personnel within the authority, and to offer all councillors the chance to schedule their individual training sessions if they choose. Richard Stanley, the council leader, will additionally communicate in writing with all town and parish councils, advocating for staff and councillors to arrange training sessions. Resources and assistance for individuals experiencing domestic abuse or for those aware of someone who is, are accessible on the council’s website, and GDASS delivers an outreach service across all districts.