Salisbury Soroptimists Launch Domestic Abuse Resource “Fresh Thoughts”

At this time of year, the number of Domestic Abuse (DA) incidents increases dramatically.

The launch of this resource to support victims is particularly significant and timely. The issue was highlighted in Parliament with the introduction of the Government’s strategy towards halving violence against women and girls.

During the debate, Salisbury MP John Glen commended the “Fresh Thoughts” booklet to Minister Jess Phillips. In reply, Jess Philips took the opportunity to thank Soroptimists around the country for their work on women’s issues, which had fed into the Government strategy.

John Glen had, along with around 60 people, attended the launch at Wiltshire College & University Centre of “Fresh Thoughts”, a new information booklet aimed at guiding Wiltshire survivors of Domestic Abuse through the complex legal process after having the courage to flee their abuser.

The booklet was devised by Poole, Purbeck and District Soroptimists, who supported their local Women’s Refuge and realised victims had little information about what was going to happen next.

“Fresh Thoughts” provides practical information about what to expect if you are going to court, as well as online personal safety, financial assistance, housing advice and contact details of local support agencies. The booklet aims to educate, empower and enable victims to take back control and move forward with their lives.

This project won the Best Practice award at the Soroptimist 2024 National Conference, and so far, 17 UK clubs have adapted the booklet for their local areas. The Wiltshire edition, created by Salisbury and Swindon Soroptimists, is the latest to be launched, with initial funding provided by the High Sheriff’s Fund and several private donors.

Liz Batten of Salisbury Soroptimists outlined the need for the booklet in Wiltshire. She explained that there had been 12,246 Domestic Abuse crimes in Wiltshire during the last 12 months. The Police know that less than 20% of incidents are reported, so it is estimated that there are around 60,000 Domestic Abuse incidents each year in Wiltshire alone.

Laura Jones, who is an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) at FearFree, described the serious challenges DA victims face as they go through the court system to get injunctions against perpetrators. She says, “Our courts and legal system are not ‘trauma-informed’, so victims often must face their attackers all over again, standing just a few feet away from them before hearings and child access proceedings. They are already traumatised by events that caused them to leave, but because charges are so hard to prove, events must be re-lived to give evidence. The threats and intimidation don’t end when a couple separates. Many perpetrators deliberately use the court system to keep controlling and harassing their victims.” The booklet should help prepare victims for court hearings.

The Fresh Thoughts booklet has been very well-received in Dorset and elsewhere by many organisations working with survivors of domestic abuse.

In Wiltshire, it will be distributed to Women’s Refuges, domestic abuse charities and support services, city councils, Citizen Advice Bureaux, Housing Associations, solicitors, Wiltshire Police and the Courts.

700 of the 1000 copies of the booklet printed were distributed at the event. Given the scale of the problem in Wiltshire, this will barely scratch the surface of the need. Salisbury and Swindon Soroptimist groups are looking for sponsorship for a second print run to get the information into the hands of those who need it most: Survivors!