A LOCAL domestic abuse charity has backed a new report suggesting Swindon Council should do more to raise awareness of the subject.

Home Truths, set up by independent domestic violence advocates Kim Swinden and Mary Cosker, supports men and women who are victims of both physical and mental abuse at home.

They are supporting the report, compiled by Coun Kevin Parry, the chairman of the Safer and Stronger Overview And Scrutiny Committee, which says that Swindon Council has no idea how bad the problem of domestic abuse is in the borough.

Coun Parry is also recommending the council establish a senior officer to work exclusively on domestic abuse issues, give greater prominence and publicity to the issue through the cabinet and One Swindon, and review the situation in March next year.

Kim said: “We welcome the report that Kevin Parry has made. We recognise that there is a big issue with domestic abuse in the borough.

“The reported figures in 2008/9 show that there were 2,844 domestic abuse incidents reported to the police, but national figures suggest that 80 per cent of people don’t report it to the police, so baring in mind that is only 20 per cent of the true picture, there could be 11,000 incidents.

“There are specialists in Swindon, but I think it is all about recognising the extent of the issue and, as Kevin Parry suggests, having far more services.”

Mary said: “I think this is the picture across the country, I don’t think Swindon has any particularly bigger issues than anywhere else, but I think there is still a big stigma surrounding the subject.”

The non-profit making social enterprise has been open since January and estimates to have already helped more than 250 referrals, with approximately 25 open cases at any one time.

The team help victims find counselling and support people through court cases and visits to the solicitors if necessary.

One victim, aged 42, who was a victim of domestic abuse for nearly 16 years, said: “Home Truths helped save my life. I wasn’t aware I was a victim, it wasn’t physical abuse, it was mental.

“It’s amazing what you can get used to if it goes on long enough, but what I was experiencing was domestic abuse. I was relieved when I found out what it was, you start to believe you are going mad and everything is your fault.

“Anyone who is hesitating to contact Home Truths, should definitely call up, it saved me – come and be amongst friends.”

Home Truths is registered with the Natwest Community Force scheme to receive funding.To vote for them, visit www.natwest.com/communityforce.

For more about Home Truths, call 01793 617589 or email info@hometruths.coop.

The report by Coun Parry will be discussed at a Cabinet meeting tonight at 6.15pm at the Civic Offices.