Plymouth Domestic Abuse Services receives new funding

Staff at Sanctuary Supported Living’s Plymouth Domestic Abuse Services (PDAS) have begun working on a new pilot project to support victims of domestic abuse.

PDAS are working with Devon and Cornwall Police to support victims of domestic abuse

Thanks to funding by Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez, staff at PDAS are working with Devon and Cornwall Police and First Light in Cornwall, to support high-risk domestic abuse victims in Plymouth.

PDAS staff provide practical, non-judgemental support, advice and protection for all victims of domestic abuse in the Plymouth area. The project aims to protect and support victims, and build their confidence so police have a better chance of taking formal action and bringing offenders to justice.

As part of the initial three-month project, a dedicated unmarked vehicle, including both a PDAS independent domestic violence advisor (IDVA) and a plain clothes police officer, is deployed to any domestic abuse incidents in Plymouth between 4pm and 2am on Fridays and Saturdays.

This partnership means that PDAS staff can provide immediate support to victims of domestic abuse at the most critical point, whilst at the same time police officers can gather evidence and assess the risks.

Katy Fisher, Local Service Manager at Plymouth Domestic Abuse Services, said: “We’re really pleased to have the pilot up and running in Plymouth. By getting to some of the most high-risk domestic abuse victims at this critical time we can give them the support they need straight away and start to help them rebuild their lives”.

For more information about our domestic abuse services in Plymouth and Torbay, visit our domestic abuse information page.

We’re really pleased to have the pilot up and running in Plymouth.

Katy Fisher, Local Service Manager