Council seeking volunteers for domestic abuse panel
Wednesday, 18 October 2023
We are seeking volunteers with lived experience of domestic abuse for our Authentic Voice Panel (AVP), run by our Domestic Abuse Team.
The AVP is designed to bring together survivors of domestic abuse, to gain an understanding of their own experiences and help gather insight into the barriers survivors face when needing support.
Our Domestic Abuse team will then use the feedback of the AVP, and share it with other professionals, to ensure the voice of the survivor is embedded in new processes and services. The input of the panel could result in changes being made or introduced, which could ultimately be lifesaving for someone else experiencing domestic abuse.
In the UK, it is estimated that one in four women and one in six men will be affected during their lifetime.
One former AVP member said:
It has been empowering to have my voice and opinions heard and recognised – we need a positive from all the negative we have experienced, and this is a good way to help shape a service that provides the right help and support when and where it's needed most.
Anyone who has lived experience of domestic abuse can apply to join the AVP. Volunteers will need to be able to give three hours a month, and will be offered specialist, independent support by a domestic abuse professional, who will provide care during their time on the panel.
To find out more, email authentic.voice@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk The closing date for expressions of interest is Friday 17 November.