Westbury turms Spotlight on domestic abuse

Westbury Area Board is on track to help raise awareness about domestic abuse.

Recent statistics showed that Westbury community is the fourth highest in Wiltshire for incidents of domestic abuse. Now raising awareness of this issue has been picked as a top priority for local action, and the area board has committed cash, both to an awareness campaign and also for thought provoking theatre workshops for local teenagers.

The board is working together with partner organisations like the local police, the White Horse health centre and the community area partnership to raise awareness and make sure people know where they can get help and advice.

At Matravers School, pupils will be seeing a special theatre production that tackles domestic abuse in young relationships. Swindon based Sixth Sense Theatre, is touring schools with its ‘This Secret Life’ production. Funding for the project came from the Police and Crime Commissioner and Westbury Area Board has paid for two performances and workshops at Matravers.

Area board chairman David Jenkins said, “One of the key tasks of the area board is to act on issues affecting our community. We hope by raising awareness about domestic abuse it will mean people who need help will get it.”

Help for victims of domestic abuse is available by calling the National Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 2000 247. In an emergency always call 999. Wiltshire Council has a special website packed with background information, advice and useful websites and numbers at www.speak outwiltshire.com