New schemes to help domestic abuse victims in Walsall

Walsall Council is set to rubber stamp two contracts to be awarded to help strengthen its existing services provided for adults and children in the borough.

Last October, it was revealed the rates of domestic violence incidents in Walsall have been on a sharp increase over the past few years.

Statistics showed in 2020/21, there had been more than 5,700 reports, 23 per cent more than the 4,674 in the previous year. In 2018/19, there had been 3,600 crimes reported to Walsall Police.

Other statistics reported 79 per cent of the victims were female and 21 per cent were men.

Domestic abuse accounted for 31.5 per cent of all violent crime in Walsall while 20 per cent of all youth crime is related to domestic abuse.

Bosses said existing services are being restructured following the introduction of the Domestic Abuse Bill 2021 and a consultation on what is provided in Walsall.

Emergency accommodation will be provided in the form of a small block refuge with up to 12 women along with 15 ‘dispersal units’ situated across the borough for all victims including men.

The authority is recommended to award the contract, with an anticipated full value of £1,184,739, to GreenSquareAccord Ltd from May 2022 to May 2024 with the option of a further two years.

A second two-year contract, with an anticipated full value of £1,527,772, is set to be awarded to Black Country Women’s Aid to provide a Domestic Violence Advocacy Service. Again, there will be an option of a further two years.

This service is aimed at providing support for victims, giving advice on prevention and spotting signs of abuse, housing-related help and counselling.

The issue is set to be discussed at Walsall Council’s Scrutiny Overview Committee next Monday.

A report to members said: “Providing children and adult victims with timely help and support with overcoming the trauma they have experienced as a result of Domestic Abuse provides them with the best start in life and maximises their capabilities and gain control over their lives.

“The prevention of homelessness and support to households helps to ensure that individuals have the best environment to maximise their potential.

“The security of a roof over their head, and associated support, helps provide households with stability to engender a better environment for study, training or employment.”