The Hertfordshire Domestic Abuse and Violence Against Women and Girls partnership have launched a new county-wide Community Outreach Service, dedicated to supporting people subjected to domestic abuse in Hertfordshire.

The new service will strengthen the existing network of support for domestic abuse victims, after a recent countywide research project found gaps in the availability and consistency of support for people who are experiencing domestic abuse, but aren’t assessed as being at immediate risk of serious harm.

Jo Fisher, Chair of the Domestic Abuse and Violence Against Women and Girls Executive Board, and Director of Children’s Services at Hertfordshire County Council, said: “We want Hertfordshire to be a safe place for individuals and families, where domestic abuse is not tolerated.

"We are committed to working together to challenge and change mindsets; to identify and respond to risk and harm better; to improve safeguarding and safety, and to expand support available for all. This service is a big step forward to help us make sure all victims and survivors of domestic abuse can access the right help for them, at the right time.”

David Lloyd, Police and Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire, said: “The key to this new service is that all victims of domestic abuse, regardless of risk level, will have better access to local and bespoke support to meet their needs.

“Our victim service centre Beacon helpline is the Hertfordshire referral gateway for any victim of crime and where domestic abuse is assessed as being at standard or medium risk of harm, we are pleased to be able to enhance our offering by directly referring victims and families to services nearby and convenient to them.”

The new service will see specialist outreach workers working one-to-one with victims to:

• Conduct a risk and needs assessment
• Provide safety and support planning
• Offer practical and emotional support
• Work with other agencies to ensure victims’ needs are met and the risk of further harm is minimised

To help ensure the diverse needs of victims and survivors of domestic abuse living in Hertfordshire can be met locally, the service is being delivered over five geographical areas.

• East Herts and Broxbourne – delivered by Safer Places
• North Herts and Stevenage – delivered by Safer Places (as an interim arrangement)
• St Albans and Dacorum – delivered by St Albans and Hertsmere Women’s Refuge (SAHWR)
• Watford and Three Rivers – delivered by Hertfordshire MIND Network
• Welwyn Hatfield and Hertsmere – delivered by Safer Places

Domestic abuse victims will be able to contact the services directly.

The Community Outreach Service launched on 1 July 2023 and is being run as a two-year pilot to strengthen the existing network of support for domestic abuse victims and help development of new services.