The Police and Crime Commissioner does not only hold the Chief Constable to account for providing effective policing, he also looks after a wide range of issues relating to crime prevention, victim support and so forth.
Among the outside bodies currently supported by the Leicestershire Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner is the United against Violence & Abuse Charity [UAVA].
UAVA is a consortium of three local specialist providers of domestic abuse and sexual violence services : Women’s Aid Leicestershire Ltd, FreeVA and Living Without Abuse
They aim to provide a simplified journey, which can be accessed by anyone who has been affected by domestic abuse and or sexual violence. Their services are jointly funded by Leicester City Council, the Police & Crime Commissioner, Leicestershire County Council and Rutland County Council.
UAVA provides co-ordinated domestic and sexual violence services across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland for any male or female over the age of 13. Additional services are available for Leicester City residents.
Open 8am to 8pm, Monday to Saturday, the UAVA Helpline is on 0808 80 200 28. They can provide support in different languages. The calls are covered by the Special Freephone Tariff (SFT), so they are free from all mobiles, payphones and landlines - and hidden on the telephone bill)
It provides confidential support, information, safety advice, risk assessments and access to all UAVA services for anyone living in Leicester, Leicestershire or Rutland affected by or at risk of domestic abuse or sexual violence.
UAVA also provides specialist Independent Domestic Violence Advisor Services. The IDVA team offers short term, intensive support and advocacy which focuses on risk and managing risks. Priority is given to ensuring the safety of victims and their children, presenting victims views at Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conferences (MARAC) and Specialist Domestic Violence Courts (SDVC).
Sexual assault and rape is a traumatic and extremely stressful experience, whether it was by someone known or by a complete stranger. This service is for anyone, male or female, living in Leicester, Leicestershire or Rutland, aged 13+ who has experienced rape and/ or sexual assault. This could be as a result of a recent incident or something that has happened in the past.
UAVA also provides significant outreach services. Once the immediate risks and threat of abuse are addressed, the Engagement and Recovery team will provide emotional, practical, therapeutic support and counselling options alongside group work interventions to ensure victims continue to feel safe and secure, make informed choices and take back control.
There is also the associated “No More Abuse” service, a new domestic and sexual abuse website for children and young people in Leicester – find out more on their WEBSITE
I have found it most interesting learning more about this organisation and all it does for the vulnerable in our society. There is far more information on their website and I would urge you to go and have a look for yourself. https://www.uava.org.uk/
