A new domestic advice clinic aims to tackle the increasing cases of abuse against women in Islington.
The first session took place at the Islington Police Station in Tolpuddle Street on Thursday. The clinic is open to women from the borough who need legal advice and practical support.
Solace Women’s Aid, a charity that works closely with the police to tackle the problem, were on hand to support women and children affected by domestic or sexual violence.
Pauline Walker, team manager at Solace Women’s Aid said there was a demand for their services. “We work with females from 16 years and up, as a community service. Whoever reports an incident to the police, they come to Solace so we can offer our advice and support.
“We have everything. Domestic violence knows no bounds, no colour and it is across the board,” she added.
There have been 2,765 reported assaults on women during the last year, according to Detective Inspector Rita Tierney.
“There has been a clear increase in the number of domestic violence attacks occurring in Islington,” she said.
Police monitor all types of offences from stalking to physical assaults said Dep Insp Tierney. Police have also become much better at tracking domestic abuse because there has been an overall increase in confidence in people coming forward.
“A stricter interpretation of Home Office regulation of what counts as abuse has also helped,” she added.
Paul Convery, who is Islington’s executive member for crime and community safety, said: “What needs to be changed is public attitude towards domestic violence. People need to understand that it is a crime.”
Solace Women’s Aid are in discussions with the police about how to make the clinic more accessible to women, and are hoping to run it every two weeks.
