Islington's new 'one-stop shop' to support victims of domestic violence and abuse

Picture caption: Cllr Kaya Comer-Schwartz (L) and Cllr Andy Hull on White Ribbon Day in November 2017

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Islington Council and partners have today launched The Anchor, a new ‘one stop shop’ service supporting victims of domestic violence and abuse.

The Anchor is a confidential drop-in service and is open to anyone aged 16+, male or female, who wishes to attend.

Support will be available for a wide range of issues, including specialist domestic violence and abuse advice, housing advice, family support, drugs and alcohol services and the Metropolitan Police.

Those who attend will be seen on a one-to-one basis in secure meeting rooms and will be offered whatever additional help they need to feel safe.

The Anchor is being launched as part of the council’s Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Strategy.

Cllr Kaya Comer-Schwartz, executive member for community development, said: “One in four women in England and Wales will experience domestic violence in their lifetime, which is completely unacceptable.

“Islington Council is committed to creating a borough where no form of domestic violence and abuse is tolerated and where those affected can get the help they need. The Anchor will be a valuable new service to work alongside Islington’s existing domestic violence and abuse services.”

The Anchor will run the second and last Wednesday of every month from 10am – 1pm, at the St John Street Area Housing Office, EC1V 4NB.

Islington Council has recently been awarded official White Ribbon accreditation in recognition of its work tackling domestic violence and abuse, which includes funding support services for victims, as well as enlisting male ambassadors from the organisation who urge male colleagues to pledge never to commit, condone, or remain silent about men’s violence against women in all its forms.

The council is also supporting victims of domestic violence by training GPs, dentists and other health workers to identify the signs and refer victims to appropriate services should they wish to access them.

In addition, a new training programme to help council staff understand the signs of female genital mutilation (FGM) and two new specialist services to help domestic violence victims with complex needs will launch in Spring 2018.

For more information about The Anchor and the council's work eliminating domestic violence, please visit www.islington.gov.uk/vawg

For confidential advice or support relating to domestic violence you can call the freephone 24 Hour National Domestic Violence Helpline 0808 2000 247. In an emergency, always dial 999. Anyone with information about such a crime can call CrimeStoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.