BCHA are pleased to announce that they have launched a new Domestic Violence Service in Somerset. This replaces the Somerset Change service delivered by Relate and will be known as Somerset Changes.

As part of Somerset Changes, BCHA will be providing an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) service to support high risk victims of domestic abuse, to provide victims with support to maximise their safety and move forward with their lives. The IDVA service also supports victims through the Criminal and Civil Justice System, giving them a voice at the Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) where agencies work together to reduce the risk of harm that the victim and their families may face from the abuser.

Mandy Goodenough, Head of Children, Young People and Families at BCHA, commented: "Domestic violence affects one in four women during their lifetime, as well as many men and children. We know that once stuck in a violent relationship, it can be hard to escape. We are here to support people through this extremely difficult process and help them to move away from the abuse and build a new life.

"BCHA have been providing support for domestic violence victims for over 15 years, through services including refugees which offer safe and secure accommodation and community based support workers who visit victims in their own home. During these 15 years, BCHA have helped many women, children and men escape violent relationships and rebuild their lives. We are pleased to be working with our statutory partners to use our years of knowledge and expertise to help vulnerable people within Somerset."

The key priority of the IDVA service is to increase the safety of survivors of domestic violence and their children. Referrals for the service are received from the MARAC system. Once the IDVA's receive the referral, a qualified member of staff will make contact with the victim.

IDVA will then work with the victim to devise a safety plan specific to their individual needs, providing important information to them and signposting them to specialist services. These services include counselling, housing services, legal services, refuge provision and ways to increase the client's security and safety in their home.

BCHA are also delivering a programme in Somerset called 'Make the Change'. This is a structured group work intervention programme for male voluntary participants, designed to address abusive behaviour in relationships. The aims of this programme are to stop the use of violence within relationships, create awareness of the devastating effects of abuse and violence on families and help participants to learn how to deal with arguments without resorting to abuse.

BCHA were chosen to provide the Somerset Changes Service within Somerset, having gone through a competitive tender process. The service is being funded by Somerset County Council Community Directorate.

For any further advice on referring a case to MARAC, how to access IDVA intervention or to gain access to the Make the Change Programme please call 01823 282106. The office is open Monday to Friday 9:00 to 5:00pm. In the case of an emergency please call 999.