Hundreds of victims receiving help from revamped service

North Yorkshire Police and Police and Crime Commissioner Julia Mulligan are working together on relaunched support services for victims of domestic and sexual abuse.

Victims are now allocated a single support worker who will work with them from the time an offence is committed until then end of court or criminal proceedings, and support can be given even if victims do not wish to report an incident to police.

Since its launch in October 2014, the service, IDAS (Independent Domestic Abuse Service), has supported over 450 domestic abuse victims and over 200 sexual abuse victims.

It has also recently relaunched a confidential helpline, available 24 hours a day, which is staffed by specialist workers who provide immediate emotional and practical advice, and if necessary offer immediate referrals into the most appropriate support services, including emergency refuges.

A website offers a ‘one-stop shop’ of practical advice for victims and their families, friends and professionals, and includes a secure online form for victims to refer themselves directly to IDAS.

Ms Mulligan said: “These services can be a lifeline for people going through, or who have gone through, this harrowing ordeal. I would encourage anyone suffering in silence to either report their abusive partner or incident onto the police, or call the helpline if they don’t want the police involved.”

Detective Chief Inspector Andrea Kell said: “The provision of the 24-hour helpline and range of interactive services and guidance provided by the IDAS website provides invaluable emotional and practical support to victims of domestic abuse in one single location. North Yorkshire Police is victim focused and is committed to ensuring the best support is provided for their needs and encourages victims to come forward to the police.”