Parents who are abused by their children, will receive specialist support, invested by the West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner, using Ministry of Justice funding.
As part of an investment of nearly £250,000 in services for victims and survivors of all types of domestic abuse and sexual violence, the Commissioner has invested in PEGS, an organisation which works with families impacted by physical, financial, emotional or sexual behaviour displayed by children of any age.
Other investments, across the West Mercia area, include tailored support for male victims of domestic violence, counselling for sexual violence victims with learning difficulties and support for female victims at risk of becoming involved in crime.
Commissioner John Campion said “Victims are at the heart of everything we do, and my commitment as Commissioner is to ensure there are many different routes in place to help people cope and recover. These investments will provide dedicated, expert support to everyone who needs help, when they need it.”
PEGS Founding Director Michelle John said: “We are hugely thankful to Mr Campion and his team for their support, which will positively impact the lives of parents experiencing child parent abuse. As well as the grant itself, the PCC’s support brings awareness to the issue, which is often left in the shadows.
“Research indicates between 3% and 10% of families are impacted but many parents report a lack of support, so we aim to provide the assistance, advocacy and listening ear they so desperately need.”
The grant will be used by PEGS to deliver 12 Empowering Parents in Crisis (EPIC) sessions, a group programme which provides emotional and practical support for parents, carers and guardians who are living with a child displaying abusive, violent or out-of-control behaviours.
The sessions focus on behaviour and communication, safety and risk, trauma response, advocacy and working with professionals, and aim to increase confidence, empower and inform those attending.
PEGS – which also trains professionals such as social workers and police officers so they can respond appropriately to CPA, as well as raising awareness and influencing national policy – became operational in April 2020 and has already supported nearly 500 families.
The PCC’s investment will also fund:
- VAL (Victim Advice Line): A victim care co-ordinator to work with victims of domestic abuse.
- Willowdene: An advisor to work with domestic abuse and sexual violence victims, including support for male victims and women at risk of becoming involved in crime.
- Shropshire Domestic Abuse Service: Outreach support workers for domestic abuse victims.
- West Mercia Women’s Aid: A helpline support worker specifically for male victims.
- Axis: Counselling for sexual violence victims who have learning difficulties.
- WMRSASC (West Mercia Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre): Counselling support for victims of sexual violence and abuse.
These investments are in addition to the PCC’s recent £2million investment for Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) and Independent Sexual Violence Advisor Roles (ISVA).
Wednesday 2nd June 2021
