A domestic abuse service, which provides wraparound care to hundreds of victims in Northamptonshire every month, is marking its 25-year anniversary on December 3.
The Sunflower Centre was established in 2000 as a dedicated domestic abuse centre for the county and is needed now more than ever to provide specialist support to almost 500 victims of domestic abuse each week.
The centre is jointly funded by the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, Northamptonshire Police, West Northamptonshire Council, North Northamptonshire Council and the NHS Northamptonshire Integrated Care Board.
Victims are each assigned an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) who are trained experts to create bespoke safeguarding plans and make sure victims have access to emergency accommodation, finances, immigration or legal advice and other specialist support.
The centre also has specialist IDVAs working across the criminal justice system, in hospitals and courts to give victim and survivors access to advocacy.
The service employs accredited stalking advisors, equality and diversity IDVAs and specialist IDVAs for people with complex needs.
Sunflower staff now work in the Force Control Room from Wednesday to Sunday nights, giving domestic abuse advice and guidance.
Fiona Campbell, Director of Victim Services for Voice for Victims and Witnesses (pictured above), said: “The Sunflower Centre works with partners very closely to make sure all appropriate actions are put into place to fully safeguard individuals.
“We have feedback from clients all the time, which is really humbling, and I know my staff work hard to make sure clients are supported to achieve safety and are empowered to achieve a life free from abuse. Some clients do come back and say ‘without your help I wouldn’t be where I am now’.
“Its really important families get the right support, particularly with children growing up in an environment with domestic abuse, as it does have a real impact on them. We make sure everyone we work with gets the specialist help and support they need.”
What partners said:
Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Danielle Stone said: “The Sunflower Centre does valiant work and sadly is needed now more than ever to keep victims across this county safe.
“There has been so much work done to raise awareness of domestic abuse and sexual violence across this county and the Centre has seen an increase in the levels of reporting as people feel more confident to come forward.
“It’s not lost on me how hard the staff at the Centre have worked over the past 25 years. Their dedication has undoubtedly enabled so many individuals and families to have a second chance.”
Northamptonshire Police Detective Chief Inspector Beth Warren said: “Positive outcome rates for our highest risk domestic abuse victims are the best they’ve ever been on record, and I think I can safely attribute some of that to the support the Sunflower Centre give to Police.
“Their dedication, level of professionalism and constant communication completely changes the way that victims perceive the Police.
“We can’t combat domestic abuse as a single agency, and we absolutely need the support from our colleagues at the Sunflower Centre. Their help goes a really long way to improve trust and confidence with the Force.”
West Northamptonshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing Charlie Hastie, added: “The Sunflower Centre is an example of a service where victims feel heard, protected, supported, and empowered through every step of the justice process.
“We recognise that tackling domestic abuse requires a strong and collaborative commitment from both statutory and voluntary sector agencies.
“Providing support that is tailored to the individual needs of victims and survivors is essential and together we are working more closely than ever to deliver support to those who need it most.”
North Northamptonshire Council’s Executive Member for Communities, Councillor Gregory Wilcox said: “Domestic abuse is complex, it affects housing, education, health, safety and justice.
“We cannot operate in isolation, the more we work together the better the outcomes will be for victims.
“Partnerships are crucial to providing early intervention and helping victims out of an unhealthy relationship.”
