Cut to vital service is condemned
Wiltshire Council has cut its funding and only offering it to Swindon residents in a year that domestic violence has increased with the pandemic and the succession of lockdowns taking their toll, according to Brian Mathew, Lib Dem candidate for Wiltshire and Swindon Police and Crime Commissioner, speaking about the council's decision to cut the 24/7 domestic abuse helpline for victims.
He said that, last year, reports of domestic violence shot up by 350 during the lockdown, also increasing when children went back to school. Similarly, Clare's Law, which allows police to share someone's criminal history with their current partner if they feel at risk, requests in Wiltshire are increasing every year.
Cllr Mathew reacted angrily to the news> "My heart goes out to those victims who have had this service ripped from them. Domestic violence has skyrocketed during Covid-19 and this decision is irresponsible.
"Victims are left powerless and this year more than any we need to stand together to protect victims and to give them the services that they need. We should be doing more to tackle and confront domestic abuse, supporting charities like Swindon Women's Aid who work so hard to protect and prevent victims of domestic abuse."
"Wiltshire Council should be ashamed of this decision."
