Professionals gather to tackle domestic abuse

Leading support professionals from across Cornwall gathered in Truro on Wednesday, September 12 to attend a seminar that examined the effects of domestic violence on children and teenagers. 

The event, hosted by Coodes Solicitors, featured a keynote speech from Dr Sharon Pettle, one of the UK's leading child psychologists.  

Also speaking was Simon Carpenter from charity CLEAR. "Kids often find themselves at the centre of these issues, and can't turn to their parents because they are so directly involved.  

"We work with children and teenagers affected by abusive relationships and help them to overcome the effects through talk therapy and counselling along with other strategies."  

Ian Taylor from Coodes Solicitors says events such as this are invaluable "Being able to bring support workers, psychologists and legal professionals together, to share thoughts and ideas is so beneficial to everyone, not least victims affected by domestic violence."  

Figures released recently show that as many as one in four calls to the Police are related to violence in the home.

Ian Taylor said "We regularly deal with victims of domestic abuse and it is an increasing concern for us at Coodes.

"This is why we have specialists in our 11 strong family law team; to provide the legal support needed by anyone experiencing domestic abuse in Cornwall."

Dina Holder, who works for WRASAC, an organisation that provides support to women who have been abused says "You are more likely to be violently assaulted in your own home than on the street or in a pub. 

"Yet many women still don't think they will be believed."  

Statistics indicate that women will experience 35 separate incidents of abuse before contacting the police.  

"We welcome these initiatives from organisations like Coodes Solicitors" adds Dina "and we hope that it will encourage more individuals to engage with services sooner rather than later."  

Anyone who would like to talk to someone in the strictest confidence should contact either CLEAR on 01872 540366, WRASAC on 01208 76466 or the Coodes Family Law team on 01726 874700.