Working
together; enabling women, children
and young people to live free of violence
and intimidation.
I
would first like to introduce you
to our team of dedicated workers.
Helen is our part-time
administrator, the backbone of any project.
Helen is responsible for monitoring
and evaluating the work. She is also
responsible for collating statistical
evidence on a monthly basis along with
the general administrative duties.
Christine is our
Counsellor, who offers an invaluable
service to the Project. Christine volunteers
her time freely on a weekly basis, offering
person-centred counselling to women
involved in the project
Mandy and Debs
are part-time project workers, offering
confidential support and advice to women.
They assist them in reaching and implementing
decisions around protecting themselves
and their children, supporting them
if needed through housing issues, court
cases, solicitors and liaising with
other professionals where appropriate.
Lastly myself,
Lynne, the Senior Project Worker. I
work alongside Mandy and Debs in delivering
the face-to-to face work. I am responsible
for line-managing our team with support,
advice and supervision. I also liaise
with other professionals and attend
DV Forum meetings and any other relevant
events.
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Choices and Options have supported
161 women, 281 children and 272 professionals
during the year April 2004 to March
2005 around issues relating to domestic
violence.
We
help support the women to remain
in their homes, enabling women and
children to continue to be supported
by their existing family and friends
network, access education and health
at a time when they are most likely
to be isolated, socially excluded,
vulnerable and economically dependent.
Through the support of the project,
women have gone on to further education
and employment and live violence
free lives. The project supports
the Safer Rotherham Partnership
in reducing crime and repeat victimisation.
Children
are very much the silent victims
of domestic violence, witnessing
or being the victim can have sever
effects on a child’s behaviour,
health and education performance.
They are often in the same or next
room. We hope in the near future
to develop some work around children
witnessing domestic violence and
we look forward to the challenges
this will bring.
The following is an extract of a letter
received from one of the women benefiting
from the Choices and Options Service:
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