Sadly, we occasionally come across cases of domestic violence. Below is some excellent advice from the Women's Refuge on where and how to approach the matter.

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It is difficult – and can be potentially dangerous – to advise a third party. Many victims do not want to involve the Police, for a variety of reasons including the fact that sometimes involving the Police can make the perpetrator more violent.

However, if a neighbour does have any contact with the victim - when the alleged perpetrator is not present - it could be helpful for that neighbour to be aware of and pass on the details of the following agencies that could provide advice and/or support to the victim:

Police Domestic Abuse Unit       01793 507801    Specially trained officers to deal with victims of domestic violence.

Victim Support Wiltshire             01380 738888 – Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm: victim can either telephone for advice and/or ask for a specially trained domestic violence volunteer to visit and support them. [The volunteer would arrange to meet the victim away from the family home – to ensure everyone’s safety.]

Swindon Refuge             01793 536447   24hours Helpline and access to emergency accommodation if required. The neighbour could also ring Swindon Refuge for more advice and information if this might be helpful.

Swindon Police                          0845 4087000 or 999      The victim could call the police to report an assault. This would not necessarily mean she could not continue living with her partner.

National domestic violence helpline [run in partnership between Women’s Aid and Refuge]0808 2000 247      – can give advice and also access to refuges in other parts of the country.

The victim could use a solicitor to obtain a civil court order – which could either order her partner not to assault her or, if there has been actual physical violence, she could ask for a court order to make him leave the property temporarily.

If the property is a council tenancy: there is a clause in the tenancy agreement which states that a tenant must not use, or threaten to use, violence towards anyone living in the property.

A neighbour could telephone the Police 999 or 0845 4087000 to report the violence the next time she/he is aware an assault is taking place. If possible, it is better if the third party [neighbour] can check first with the victim about doing this.

The Council has reproduced a booklet which contains advice and information for the families and friends of victims of domestic violence, tel: 01793 466512 or email lawilliamns@swindon.gov.uk .