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Briefing Note – Domestic Abuse (DA) Project – September 2019
Objectives
· Raise awareness of support available for survivors of domestic abuse within Maidstone
· Expand the One Stop Shop (OSS) into rural areas in order to assess if there is a need for rural engagement on a permanent basis
· Expand the reach of domestic abuse support services via an initiative to offered tailored training to hairdressers, barbers and hair and beauty colleges
Progress
Good progress has been made into the project; it was decided to split the project into a number of key strands, a hairdresser awareness event, PCT Awareness Training, engaging with local hair and beauty schools and a DA Rural outreach project.
The hair dresser awareness event will take place across two locations on separate dates, one in October (Village Hotel) one in February (Mercure Hotel); the event is referred to as “Cut Abuse”. We have sought a local supplier of hair and beauty products to sponsor the event, either by a cash donation, a selection of prizes or a form of discount for attending the event; currently we are waiting to get confirmation. A motif has been designed for the event, various products are being printed/made in order that key assistance contact details are available to those that need them; these will be issued at each event for each attendee to place in appropriate location within hairdresser premises.
The DA Rural Outreach strand will start at the end of October, the first location is Headcorn, we are working in partnership with Clarion to staff the OSS appropriately, this will ensure all services available are represented, including fleeing an abusive relationship, sanctuary and counselling. Each OSS will last approximately 4 hours once a week for four weeks in each location. Staplehurst will be the next location in November for a OSS; parish councils and local services are assisting in targeted advertising of each event
PCT Awareness Training was delivered successfully on 16th July at the Village Hotel, Maidstone, this was a success with positive feedback from all healthcare professions represented; there were approximately 200 attendees who listened to various presentations and engaged in workshops. Various literature and advice notes were distributed for use in surgeries and healthcare centres.
Mid Kent College and Saks Academy Maidstone have both been engaged and have requested that DA awareness is delivered to each of their cohorts; this will consist of approximately 300 hair and beauty students within the borough, as such a key part of the awareness project. It is intended to start this towards the end of September, dates currently to be confirmed.
Key Dates
· 16th July 2019 - PCT Awareness Training
· W/C September 30th 29018 – Mid Kent College Awareness Sessions
· 24th October 2019 – Headcorn OSS
· 28th October 2019 – DA Event Village Hotel – Hairdresser Awareness
· 28th November 2019 – Staplehurst OSS
· 3rd February 2020 - DA Event Mercure Hotel – Hairdresser Awareness