New domestic abuse support aims to 'save lives'

The new service will help both adult and child victims

A new service aiming to provide specialist help for victims of domestic abuse is being launched.

A Specialist Mental Health and Hospital Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) will work between Darlington Memorial Hospital and the University Hospital of North Durham until March 2026.

They will support adult and child patients seeking treatment for injuries or mental health episodes they have experienced from domestic abuse.

The service costs an initial £43,500 and has been funded by County Durham and Darlington Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen, who said it could "save lives".

It aims to expand safeguarding opportunities and it is hoped it would reduce further attendance at A&E in the future, Allen said.

It would also link people to longer-term community-based support.

The IDVA would work closely with victims and survivors and provide an initial assessment to develop individual support plans, which would have to receive the consent of the victim before being implemented.

Any safeguarding issues would also be identified and action would be taken.

Joy Allen has commissioned Harbour Support Services for the initiative

As part of the new plan offered by Harbour Support Services, the PCC aims to get data about the number and type of admissions to better understand the victim experience and to develop further effective responses.

Allen said: "Undoubtedly, offering professional, non-judgmental support and safety planning early saves lives and I hope that through the improvements we are making to service provision we will encourage more victims to come forward and seek help."

The IDVA would travel between sites depending on need.

They would also provide ongoing advice and support to frontline health professionals.