As part of an awareness raising campaign funded by the North Yorkshire Police Crime Commissioner, local domestic abuse charity IDAS (Independent Domestic Abuse Services) are running open days to inform people about their services.
Rishi Sunak MP for Richmond visited their offices and a refuge in North Yorkshire this month to find out more about their work in the local area.
In 2015, IDAS received around 450 referrals into its services for people affected by domestic abuse in Hambleton & Richmond. Over 3500 referrals were taken from across the county and over 100 people were provided with refuge accommodation. North Yorkshire Police reported that incidents of domestic abuse increased last year with over 9000 reported to them.
Rishi said: “It is great to see the vital work that IDAS are doing to support people in our communities. However, it is concerning that so many people experience domestic abuse and I would urge anyone who is concerned about their relationship to get in touch with the team at IDAS. Although the majority of domestic abuse happens behind closed doors we must not turn a blind eye to the warning signs. It is essential that we work together to raise awareness and help people to get the support that they need.”
IDAS support people to make informed choices to help them move on from domestic abuse. Domestic abuse can be emotional, financial, sexual or physical and affects people regardless of their age, background, social status or sexual orientation.
Dawn Bargate, IDAS Project Manager for Hambleton & Richmond said: “It is great that Mr Sunak is able to lend his support to our campaign to raise awareness of domestic abuse. For every person who reports domestic abuse at least four others will not. Many people do not know where to turn for help or are too afraid to come forward; it is essential that we get the message out that there is help available from IDAS. We want to thank Mr Sunak for his continued support of our services.”
For more information please contact IDAS www.idas.org.uk 03000 110 110