Hi everyone

I have many ideas floating around in my grey matter and I am on a mission.

The Protection Of Victims Act 2014 is now with the Criminal & Victims Policy Department at the Ministry Of Justice and every day the support grows.  Eve's Law is an umbrella for change, a change that is needed badly.

Every week 2 women are murdered by a partner or ex partner, this figure has not changed in over 30 years and lets not forget the men who are also victims of domestic violence and abuse and the 100's and 1000's of children that are spending the most important years of their lives surrounded by violence and abuse.  Domestic violence costs our country £16 billion a year, yes £16 billion and yet every day I am presented with media stories and victims who have been let down by the criminal justice system, exposed, vulnerable and without any safety, afraid not only for their own lives but their children's too.

Victims of domestic violence and abuse are having to fight for their right to be safe and many move miles away to start new lives, SAFE lives only for their addresses to be disclosed and exposed by agencies/organisations/criminal justice system.  There is NO "one off," these are not "isolated" incidences these are the lives of REAL PEOPLE, human beings who have a right to feel and be safe.

I have conducted a lot of research, I have visited a lot of places, organisations and asked one simple question - "Do you know what a SAFE address is?"  I am really sad to say that despite the word "SAFE" being self explanatory I am met with puzzled expressions by professionals who have day to day dealings with victims of domestic violence and abuse - schools, GPs, Police, social housing providers, DWP, the list is endless and this is exactly why mistakes are being made and victims are being put at risk.  

The disclosure of a SAFE address should always be taken seriously, a SAFE address is SAFE for a reason.  Many organisations have "practises" in place when dealing with victims of domestic violence/abuse but not many have "policies" and I firmly believe that this is what is needed.

I am hoping that the Ministry Of Justice will legislate The Protection of Victims Act 2014 and the national red flag system but until then victims are being put in danger every single day and so I state the following:

If any organisations be they government or NGO would like a victims education and SAFE education then please get in touch, it is FREE and I will come and visit you no matter where you are.  I am not shy, I love to get on my soap box and I will provide you with a victims insight and education. My resources, my knowledge and research are for sharing and as long as it is for victims and legal I am happy.  I was a victim of domestic violence but I am also an educated woman who has worked for the NHS, Social Services, Education, if I can help I will.

I hope you will also lend me your voices be they on social media, media or in person - please help me to spread the word and raise awareness so SAFE really does mean SAFE.  I am also reaching so many silent victims and not only in this country but in India, South Africa, Australia and USA - I always signpost in the UK to the very best resources and if overseas I am clear from the onset that I can only be a buddy, an ear, someone to talk to as I am not familiar with procedures/laws etc in other countries but I will try my best to search out agencies to help i.e. domestic violence helplines etc.  I run the campaign from my bedroom on my netbook and phone and yes I am so busy but I have the biggest smile ever! 

I strongly believe that every police force in the country needs a Victims Advocate and today I tweeted ACPO @PoliceChiefs and presented The Protection Of Victims Act 2014 - Eve's Law and the #SAFE campaign to ACC Louisa Rolfe who was answering question regarding domestic violence and abuse, I also did a quick twitlonger regarding Victims Advocates.  ACC Louisa Rolfe replied and said "I'll discuss this with my regional #domesticabuse leads."  This is very welcoming and I look forward to ACC Rolfe's reply.

VICTIMS ADVOCATE

A victims advocate would be someone not afraid to speak up for victims and if something goes wrong they act quickly and efficiently to ensure the victim is protected, safe and receiving the services required and necessary.  A victims advocate will turn over every stone to ensure victims come first and will use their voice to get the job done.  If their is a problem with resources then a victims advocate will use resources to get answers so that victims come first.

A victims advocate doesn't need a fancy salary, office or perks and would not be interested in popularity stakes and kudos - JUST THERE FOR VICTIMS.

I hope you will have a look around my website and visit the campaign pages.  If you can spare 2 minutes would you please sign the petition, a link can be found on the campaign page.

Thank you.

Sending smiles & hugs

Eve x