Sexual abuse and learning disability.

out that there is ‘no such thing as a typical call about domestic violence’. She describes the nature of the calls as varied as it depends on the stage at which the woman is at in the relationship. Many women could be said to be ‘in denial’ about the experience of being a victim and take a long time to admit to themselves, and to others, that they have been abused or assaulted and that their partner or husband is responsible. This can be for a number of reasons; for example, the woman can feel very committed to the relationship and is trying hard to make it work, regardless of the emotional, mental and physical toll that it is taking on her and those around her. The abuse can also become a family secret, so the woman ends up blaming herself. Excuses for the abusive behaviour are also common; for example, taking the blame for the breakdown of the relationship and the subsequent abuse, and defending the partner’s role as a loving parent. However, there is clearly an issue here about the psychological damage suffered by children who are caught up in abusive relationships. The trained staff and volunteers on the Victim Supportline do not give advice, but they can offer ‘emotional support’– a listening ear – and will refer women to other specialist agencies, including Refuge and Women’s Aid, if necessary. Gridley says it is essential that victims of domestic violence talk to somebody about their experiences. She stresses that the Supportline does not give advice, such as urging women to leave the relationship. Instead, various options can be suggested and discussed with the caller. Staff and volunteers in around 300 community-based groups in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (Victim Support Scotland is an autonomous organisation under the Victim Support umbrella) provide emotional support and practical help to victims of crime, witnesses, their families and friends. The service is free and confidential, and the help is provided whether or not the crime has been reported to the police or when it happened. As Victim Support provides an outreach service, all of the staff and volunteers in the local groups, the criminal courtbased Witness Services and the Victim Supportline receive basic awareness training on the impact of domestic violence. Staff and volunteers who opt to work specifically with victims of domestic violence undergo intensive training. A number of Victim Support’s local groups have gone a step further, as we have seen with the STAR Project, and have set up dedicated services for victims of domestic violence. Trained staff and volunteers will give the woman time to talk about her experiences and feelings and provide information about the options available to her. They can also help with practical issues or liaise with other organisations, including housing authorities. If the woman decides to report the crime to the police, the local Victim Support group will provide information about the criminal justice system and police procedures. If the case goes to court, the Victim Support-operated Witness Service (based in every criminal court in England and Wales) can provide her with emotional support and information. Witnesses and victims of crime who use the Service can get information about court procedures, pretrial visits and help with filling in forms. Importantly, many also provide separate waiting areas where the woman can sit at a comfortable distance from the perpetrator’s family or friends. Witnesses are supported before, during and after the trial, although for legal reasons the staff and volunteers do not discuss the evidence. However, that does not prevent them from playing a significant part in helping witnesses, victims of crime, their families and friends with coping with the stress of appearing in court. A recent Home Office survey on the Witness Service found that 97% of those questioned were either ‘very satisfied’ or ‘fairly satisfied’ with their experience of the Witness Service.7 This positive feedback is very encouraging and clearly shows that the Service’s work is effective and widely appreciated. Our staff and volunteers will continue their hard work in the local groups, the Witness Service and on the Victim Supportline to provide a comprehensive service to women who have suffered domestic violence.