Extra support is now being offered to victims of domestic abuse in Forth Valley. Both men and women and people in same sex partnerships are being urged not to suffer in silence and to come along to a new drop in service at Forth Valley Royal Hospital on the first Friday of every month between 10am – 1pm.

The venture is a joint partnership between NHS Forth Valley and Falkirk Women’s Aid and is seen as another way to give people support, listen to concerns and discuss choices.

Lynn Waddell, NHS Forth Valley Equality and Diversity Manager and Gender-Based Violence Operational Lead, said:

 As an organisation we have a unique and crucial role in identifying and supporting all those affected by gender-based violence. The physical, emotional and psychological impact can be intense and damaging, both in the long term and short term. Many survivors of abuse come to health services for help and we currently support a range of interventions to improve care and support to thousands of patients who may never have told anyone else about the trauma they have suffered.”

Chris Murphy, Manager Falkirk Women’s Aid, added :

 We are delighted that by working closely with NHS Forth Valley we have a chance to provide advice and support to young people and adults who have experienced domestic abuse. We welcome the chance that this offers people to have free confidential advice from trained staff.”

In 2011/12 more than 3,700 incidences of domestic abuse were reported to Central Scotland Police, a number which it is feared may be just the tip of the iceberg.

The drop in service, which is held in the Spiritual Care Centre on the ground floor of Forth Valley Royal Hospital, is not designed to replace existing support but is an alternative service which provides a safe and non-judgemental environment to help people feel comfortable and secure.