Charities and MPs are desperately searching for new funding for Alnwick-based Cease24 and its independent domestic violence adviser (
IDVA) service.
The DHR said that although Sarah had great support from the charity Newcastle Women's Aid, she was never assigned an Individual Domestic Violence Advocate (
IDVA), who could have helped her come up with a plan to keep herself safe should she decide to make a statement.
In line with the current strategies to end violence against women, the work done by
IDVAs and MARACs indicates that the criminal justice system has a clear role to play in terms of tertiary prevention (i.e.
There were still "not enough prosecutions" for domestic abuse but, the introduction of
IDVAs and the multi-agency working of police, social services and health agencies has "revolutionised" the support authorities provide to victims, she added.
IDVAs are also the victim's sole point of contact and a vital link with key agencies such as the police.
"The new locations for the
IDVAs will be invaluable."
The report identifies the fact that Newcastle City Council's four
IDVAs have very high case loads which exceed recommendations and the number of advocates needs to increase.
An Independent Domestic Violence Adviser (
IDVA) will be appointed and a safety plan for the victim will be drawn-up.
The review says that putting Sarah in touch with a Independent Domestic Violence Advocates (
IDVA) could have helped her support a prosecution by ensuring her safety.