Minister praises work at Hearthstone Domestic Violence Centre
Friday 3 July 2009
Hearthstone, Haringey’s Domestic Violence Advice and Support Centre, was re-launched by Rt Hon. Alan Campbell MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Crime Reduction, yesterday (2 July 2009).
The launch follows major extension and refurbishment work at the centre in Commerce Road, N22 and prompted praise from the minister.
The centre, currently used by over 2,000 clients each year, has been extended to provide extra space for new and improved services.
Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Safer Communities and chair of the Safer Communities Executive Board, Cllr Nilgun Canver said: “We are delighted to have Alan Campbell MP along to this event as it signifies the establishment's refusal to tolerate domestic violence anywhere and anytime.
"A close partnership with police, the voluntary sector and counselling services working in this field has resulted in a truly effective team taking on the challenge of ridding Haringey of the scourge of domestic violence. We must make it clear to all communities that it is not acceptable and remind those who suffer domestic violence that they can and must come to us and get help.
"These vital building works mean Hearthstone can continue its good work with victims of domestic violence and can now also offer different surgeries including a Turkish-speaking advice service and an Asian Women’s Refuge.
"I am really delighted that we have managed to put tackling domestic violence at the top of the agenda and I am really grateful for the dedication of everyone who works in Hearthstone.”
Alan Campbell MP said: “Domestic Violence is a devastating crime. It harms individuals and harms our communities too. All of us are responsible for doing everything we can to tackle it.”
He added that the Government had made progress, with conviction rates for domestic violence up, from 46% in 2003 to 72% last year, and domestic homicides at their lowest level since 2000. However, the said there was no room for complacency, adding:
"We must redouble our efforts and are committed to doing more to ensuring abusers are brought to justice whilst providing the best possible help for victims and their children.”
"As well as being a minister, I’m also a parent who wants my children to grow up in a society where domestic violence is not tolerated in any shape or form."
Commending Hearthstone workers, he said:
“Let me say thank you, not just on behalf of the Government, for what you are doing but for all those women who have had their lives altered or saved by what you are doing. People at Hearthstone are not just doing a job, you make a lasting impression which cannot be measured in financial terms alone. You get women to safety and turn lives around."
Hearthstone's expansion has also enabled Haringey’s Young People’s Counselling Service, the NIA project and Wise Dolls, both for young people, to run creative workshops for women and children affected by Domestic Violence.
For more information contact Hearthstone on: 020 8888 5362.
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