Dr Alan Billings, South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner visited Rotherham Rise women’s centre on Tuesday 22 June 2017, to hear about their work.

He met the CEO, Sue Wynne, staff from the Women’s Centre and also from their Women’s Refuge. He was presented with a booklet of photographs, poems and writing, the results of a creative writing project run by local artist Jan Flamank.

He also had the opportunity to meet with women in the Centre who were there attending a group that aims support women on their journey of recovery and a pottery group.

Dr Billings said: “I was very impressed by the work of Rotherham Rise and its staff. Violence against (mainly) women and girls is an important issue for the police and I was pleased to hear of the good relations between Rotherham Rise and police officers.

“Domestic abuse is something that is increasing, not least because more people, especially women, are willing to come forward and ask for help. I was particularly pleased to see that BME women can be helped.”

“I was also interested in a new project that will soon begin involving the perpetrators of domestic violence. This is not something that is at all easy to tackle, but if we are to prevent domestic abuse and not just help families after great damage has been done, it is vital that it is tackled.”

“I wish the various projects well.”

Rotherham Rise provides services to survivors of Domestic and Sexual Abuse in Rotherham.  They have a number of staff all specially trained to work with adults and young people affected by abuse. Providing a safe space to access support, where required Refuge accommodation, and support where English is not the first language.

Sue Wynne, CEO of Rotherham Rise said: “We welcomed the visit from Dr Alan Billings , South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner so we could talk about how Rotherham Rise has and continues to develop services that support those affected by Domestic and Sexual Abuse. Including how we are responding to the challenge of increased demand to all of our services.”

“I am committed to developing and providing services that respond to the complexities of domestic abuse, including working with those who use abusive behaviours.”

“I also understand that there can be many barriers for those affected by Domestic Abuse to access support, including language. At Rotherham Rise we have staff that speak a variety of languages and understand the sensitivity that can be linked to domestic abuse.”

If you would like more information on Rotherham Rise or advice and support on domestic abuse please see their website here – http://www.rotherhamrise.org.uk/ or call the advice line between 10am – 1pm Mon- Friday – 0330 2020 571 , or call the national 24hr Domestic Abuse Hotline –  0808 2000 247.