MAJOR NEW ADVICE, INFORMATION AND ADVOCACY SERVICES FOR MEDWAY

MAJOR NEW ADVICE, INFORMATION AND ADVOCACY SERVICES FOR MEDWAY

DOMESTIC ABUSE ADVOCACY SERVICE

Citizens Advice Medway is delighted to announce its new domestic abuse telephone helpline that will operate on each weekday from 8.30am to 4.30pm. This service covers Medway as well as the whole of Kent. The service offers victims of domestic abuse assistance ranging from help leaving an abusive situation, finding refuge places, advising on housing rights and welfare benefits up to applying to the courts for non-molestation orders. The Service’s own dedicated solicitor can help victims obtain court orders to protect them and their children from harassment, abuse and violence. Victims of Domestic Abuse can access this service by telephoning 01634 576083. The service will allow fast access to other specialist legal services covering welfare benefits, housing and debt/money problems.

Citizens Advice Medway CEO, Peter Stokes, said: We are delighted to have received the backing of the Legal Services Commission in establishing this service. It will not only help women in abusive relationships but also men and people in same sex relationships. Unfortunately we are seeing more and more need for this service as more and more people are faced with abuse. Abuse doesn’t just mean actual violence but threatening behaviour, verbal abuse and control.

The service will be available to everyone who is faced with abuse from within their family or relationship. Not just the stereotypical man on woman but same sex relationships, woman on man and between family members.