Middlesbrough Domestic Violence Forum

Middlesbrough Domestic Violence Forum was established in 1999 and now has over 40 members representing key agencies, organisations and voluntary groups. The multi-agency group exists to address issues of domestic violence in the Middlesbrough area and to campaign nationally on legislation and policy which impact on adults and children experiencing domestic violence.

The Forum continues to be at the forefront of working with and supporting victim/survivors of domestic violence, and ensuring that these issues remain high on relevant agencies agendas.

Although the Forum does not offer a direct service, (it is aimed at a strategic function); it has a history of establishing projects infrastructure and promoting them to run independently, e.g.: My Sister's Place, (Women’s advice centre) and the S.A.F.E Project (voluntary male perpetrator programme).

The Forum has developed a website as a source of information for all interested parties, and to increase public awareness regarding issues associated with this serious criminal offence.

Definition

The government defines domestic violence as:

"Any incident of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse (psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional) between adults who are or have been intimate partners or family members, regardless of gender or sexuality"

If you would like to know more about the Domestic Violence Forum and the services it has to offer, please contact the Co-ordinator Susan Milburn on 01642 223360 or e-mail susanmilburn@mysistersplace.co.uk