Fylde coast domestic abuse campaign devised during lockdown wins national award

Blackpool Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust’s Safeguarding Team won the Patient Safety Improvement category at this year’s Nursing Times Awards 2020.

The team, who have been working collaboratively with Lancashire Constabulary and Fylde Coast Women’s Aid, devised a swift and direct response to domestic abuse and violence (DAV) in the COVID-19 pandemic which judges said was “creative, innovative and replicable.’’

The operation, which started in April, involves police officers in Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre responding to domestic abuse reports alongside independent domestic violence advocates (IDVAs) or domestic abuse specialist nurses from Blackpool Victoria Hospital.

Hazel Gregory, safeguarding lead for the Trust, said: “When the first lockdown was announced it immediately became apparent, that victims and families exposed to DAV were in a very vulnerable and volatile position.

“Furthermore, the Government’s advice to ‘stay at home’ and ‘socially distance’ meant our usual stream of work dramatically declined, people were no longer attending hospitals, GPs or health settings.

“The team collaborated with Police colleagues, local supermarkets and pharmacies to implement Operation Provide with the purpose to go to the victim rather than wait for victim to come to our services. Within a few weeks this then developed and evolved to fit the victims needs to the Health Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVAs) s to work alongside the police response to calls from victims, with face to face work and support immediately available to victims.’’

The Nursing Times judges said ‘‘it was a highly innovative project demonstrated the ability to adapt a service in real time to meet an urgent safety priority borne out of a crisis, which was COVID-19. This was an excellent example of partnership working across agencies. It was creative, inspirational and of unquestionable value’’.

In September, after responding to more than 300 incidents, the operation was extended until April 2021. A dedicated IDVA is also now covering Lancaster and Morecambe.

Insp Jon Smith from Blackpool’s West Division HQ has championed the group’s work from the beginning

He said: “It is great that this operation has been recognised nationally for its work in tackling domestic abuse.

“Working together with partners, we acknowledged early on that the advice to isolate and stay at home would prove particularly challenging for those in abusive or violent relationships. Through the introduction of this operation we have been able support victims throughout this challenging period and provide them with enhanced support.

“We remain committed to tackling domestic abuse and bringing offenders before the court.”

Clive Grunshaw, Lancashire’s Police and Crime Commissioner who provided funding for the project, said: “Domestic abuse is unacceptable. We know that over 90 per cent of incidents are witnessed by children so whatever we can do to encourage and support people to take that first step and get help has to be a good thing.

“The pandemic continues to put extra pressures on families and relationships and whilst that should never be an excuse for any kind of violence, the reality is that some people will be affected by abuse.”

“Supporting vulnerable people and victims is a key part of my police and crime plan and I would urge anyone affected by domestic violence to contact Lancashire Victim Services for specialist support and advice, which is completely confidential.”

Fylde Coast Women’s Aid (FCWA) offers free advice and support to individuals living in Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre who are experiencing or have experienced domestic abuse, stalking and child sexual exploitation. They can be contacted on (01253) 596699 or visit www.fcwa.co.uk - Phone lines are open Monday - Thursday: 9am – 8pm and Friday - Sunday:12pm - 8pm

Domestic abuse support is also available from the following:

Lancashire Victim Services: 0300 323 0085

Lancashire Refuges: 0300 303 3581

Safenet (Blackpool): 01253 347119

Wish Centre (Blackburn with Darwen): 01254 260465

National Domestic Abuse helpline (24 hours): 0808 2000 247

Men’s Advice Line (national): 0808 801 0327

Galop (national LGBT+) 0800 999 5428

Childline: 0800 1111

In an emergency always dial 999.