Survivor feedback helps shape Lincolnshire Domestic Abuse services

Lincolnshire County Council thanks survivors of domestic abuse for offering their feedback on services.

The ‘Escaping Domestic Abuse’ survey has been running on the Lincolnshire Domestic Abuse website for the past few years and has allowed users of the service to give feedback on the help and support they have received.

98 people have come forward to share their experiences and give valuable feedback to help shape the county’s services.

Responses included suggestions for improving information around the definition of emotional abuse, more publicity materials directing people to help and support, and the ability to read or watch videos of survivor stories to inspire and give confidence to current victims of domestic abuse.

As a direct result of this feedback the Domestic Abuse Team at Lincolnshire County Council have made the following changes in Lincolnshire:

1. We’ve simplified the structure of the website, meaning it is easier to use. We’ve also increased publicity promoting the website, so it is easier to find.
2. We’ve created and developed content for our ‘Real Life Cases’ page to inspire others to take the next steps. We continue to encourage people who are willing and able to tell their story to contact us confidentially via domesticabuse@lincolnshire.gov.uk
3. We’ve developed leaflets and posters, in response to feedback, that explain that abuse is not just physical, but also emotional/psychological.
4. We’ve ensured that posters and leaflets are readily available in Lincolnshire for people to find.
5. The Lincolnshire Safeguarding Adults Board and Children’s Board and the Domestic Abuse Partnership now have a joint Protocol to aid practitioners working with both adults and children.
6. We’ve improved training for agencies to ensure that they can respond even more effectively to the needs of victims.

Karen Shooter, county domestic abuse manager, said: “We’ve received a significant number of responses from women and men who have been abused, including victims in same sex relationships or who were abused by other family members rather than a partner or ex-partner.

“I’d really like to thank everyone who took the time to fill in our survivor survey, as these responses can help us shape our services to ensure we provide the best, most appropriate service to victims of domestic abuse in Lincolnshire.

“We need to continually evaluate our service and find ways to better help people, so I would encourage other survivors to fill in the online survey, which is completely anonymous and available on the Domestic Abuse Lincolnshire website.”