By Ninder Kaur
Bradford Safeguarding Week took place on Monday 19th to Friday 23rd October 2015.
The focus of the week was to provide a range of learning and development opportunities for staff and volunteers working in the sectors of safeguarding adults, domestic abuse and safeguarding children.
A number of drop-in events, workshops, lectures and training opportunities took place to help to promote safeguarding awareness across the Bradford District.
During Safeguarding Week a District Domestic & Sexual Violence Services was launched in Bradford. Drop in sessions were available at the Kala Sangam centre for people (16 years+) who experience domestic abuse & prevention work with perpetrators.
People were able to receive refuge and housing related support, and practical emotional support. There was also help to make homes safe, IDVA (Independant Domestic Violence Advocates) and Court support. Support for women involved in prostitution and a service called Bradford Maze who help perpetrators to change their behavior were also present. They were joined by the Hope project that work with children who have experienced or witnessed domestic violence.
Shabana Hussain, of Staying Put, a charity which enables women and children experiencing domestic abuse to remain safely in their own homes, said: “We are just here to let other professionals know what exactly we do and that they can ring us. The same applies with the members of the public.
“Domestic violence is being reported and that’s really encouraging because it shows victims are getting in touch with agencies. Our community services work with men and women apart from the accommodation services, which just works with women.”
Sarah Shooter from Bradford Maze, a project that works with adults who are affected by Domestic Violence, said: “Today is about raising awareness and getting as many individuals down here today to understand the services that are taking place.”
Colleague Karen Arnold added: “The statistics across every area in Bradford are quite high and there is lot that’s hidden as well. There is a huge demand for these services.”
Cllr Ralph Berry also added: “Everyone in the community has an important role in helping to making the district a safe place to live and work. Safeguarding Week provides an important way to make professional practice more effective by learning from each other. It represents a great opportunity for the Council, Police and health to work together to ensure children and adults in the district
