News Domestic Abuse One Stop Shop open at Trinity weekly

Maidstone Borough Council is reminding anyone who is experiencing domestic abuse that help and support is available.

Every Tuesday between 9.30am and 11.30am a free, confidential drop-in service is provided at The Maidstone One Stop Shop, Trinity House on Church St, Maidstone. This is led by Clarion Domestic Abuse Support Serivce and provides support to anyone who is currently or has experienced domestic abuse. Help is available from specially trained professionals around safety planning, signposting to legal advice, housing and emotional wellbeing.

Cllr Lottie Parfitt-Reid, MBC Cabinet Member for Housing and Health said:

“Sadly we know there may be an increase in the number of people at risk of domestic abuse around Valentines Day. Domestic abuse can affect anyone, our One Stop Shop is there for everyone who needs it.”

The Domestic abuse services at MBC are working towards achieving a national accreditation from Standing Together which is The Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance (DAHA). It means the the organisation as a whole will have the best possible response to those experiencing domestic abuse, recognising the needs of each individual. An internal and external audit will ensure a trauma informed approach which will include the priority of access to safe and sustainable accommodation for anyone experiencing domestic abuse

Lottie continues:

“Anyone contemplating coming along for support will be in very good hands, this accreditation provides reassurance and demonstrates the council’s response to Domestic Abuse follows the best possible practice using the DAHA framework.

“Trinity is wonderfully welcoming and our professional teams will make sure you can talk in confidence and will not judge you. If you are concerned about someone else we are also here to listen and advise.”

The Domestic Abuse One Stop Shop runs every Tuesday at Trinity House, 20 Church Street, ME14 1LY from 9.30am to 11.30am.

For anyone experiencing domestic abuse who needs to talk to someone urgently please call:

Victim Support on: 0808 1689 111

Clarion: 0737 663 7069

Domestic Abuse Support Services in Kent and Medway

www.domesticabuseservices.org.uk

If you are in danger please call 999 immediately

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