Victims of domestic violence in Hammersmith and Fulham are receiving the best support and protection in London thanks to a new scheme tackling the issue.
The Impact Project is a criminal justice partnership from the council, police and five other partners tackling domestic violence and giving protection and support to victims.
Figures which currently show the Hammersmith and Fulham Police with the best conviction rate for domestic violence cases brought before the courts in London, are being put down to the initiative that began in 2014.
Cllr Sue Fennimore, head of social inclusion at Hammersmith and Fulham Council said: “Victims of domestic violence often feel scared, isolated and vulnerable and can be daunted by the court process. Often this means cases never make it to court and perpetrators remain unpunished.
“The Impact Project offers information and advice on the legal process, as well as practical support which has helped give victims the strength and courage to challenge their assailants in court and has lead to a conviction rate in H&F of 87.5%.”
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The news is especially welcomed after a report published before Christmas said domestic abuse victims and groomed children are ‘left at risk’ by police .
The project works with criminal justice professionals within the borough and also funds independent domestic violence advocates who help victims whose cases are being dealt with by the police.
It also offers advice on police procedures and the court process, legal advice and civil protection, re-housing to victims, extensive safety planning and aims to improve outcomes for victims of domestic violence cases and their families, whether the cases continue on through the criminal justice process or not.
The Impact Team is made up of officers from Shepherd’s Bush Housing Group, Advance, and Standing Together Against Domestic Violence and is co-located with H&F Police’s community safety team at Hammersmith police station.
Funding for the project is provided by Shepherd’s Bush Housing Group and the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC) .
Cllr Fennimore added: “Our conviction figure is testament to both the resolve of those people the project has helped and the great collaborative working of the partner groups.
“We are now determined to build on this success and do even more to bring offenders to justice and, even more importantly, stop domestic violence before it takes place.”
The Impact Project is one of a number of services in the area helping people at risk of violence. Angelou was set up in 2015 to help women affected by harmful and cultural practices, stalking and harassment, trafficking and prostitution, sexual exploitation, and child sexual exploitation .
And the Advance charity released balloons in Hammersmith last year to highlight the number of people affected by domestic abuse .
