Tomorrow is Human Rights Day, but it also marks the end of the 16 Days of Action campaign, which aims to get us all to think about domestic abuse while also publicising the help that is out there to support victims and the perpetrators of this terrible crime.

It is a sad reflection of our society that there is often an increase in domestic abuse incidents over the Christmas period. The festive season is supposed to be a joyous occasion where we celebrate with family and friends. Some people are not so fortunate.

Domestic abuse can affect anyone and can take many forms. It refers to abusive behaviours between people aged over 16 who are personally connected to each other, either in intimate relationships or within families. We know too that the perpetrators are not restricted by gender.

My cabinet colleague, Councillor Cathy Martyn, joined partners to launch the 16 Days of Action campaign a couple of weeks ago when a white ribbon was tied around a tree at the Civic Offices.

We provide a great deal of support for victims of domestic abuse and we work closely with the Office for the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) to jointly commission the Swindon Domestic Abuse Support Service (SDASS) which is provided by SWA.

This means we can provide support and refuge to victims and survivors of domestic abuse. There is also a 24-hour helpline (01793 610610) which provides advice and support to victims, regardless of their gender.

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities provided funding so we could set up additional safe accommodation and provide support to victims of domestic abuse as part of the new Domestic Abuse Act 2021. The funding will be used to provide additional safe places for victims of domestic abuse who cannot access the Refuge in Swindon.

Additional Support Workers to help victims, including older people, people from black and ethnic minority groups, and male victims, are also being commissioned through SDASS.

It is important for us all to remember that men can also be victims of domestic abuse and there are national support services available like the Men’s Advice Line which can be accessed online www.mensadviceline.com or by calling 0808 801 0327.

And next March we will have our own support programme for male victims here in Swindon and Wiltshire, which will be run by the Mankind Initiative and is funded by the OPCC.

Although there is a lot of support out there for victims of domestic abuse, it is also vital we tackle the root cause and provide the perpetrators of domestic abuse with the help they need to make positive changes in their lives.

One example of ways to do this is a voluntary perpetrator programme for male perpetrators of domestic abuse, ‘Reprovide’, which aims to provide that support.

If you have experienced domestic abuse and need some support, or you know of someone who is struggling, please do get in touch. Help will always be at hand.