Somerset Domestic Abuse Service welcomed Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Clare Moody to its Yeovil office to learn more about the specialist support available to victims of domestic abuse.
During the visit, Clare met the team to learn more about the support they provide. She toured the office, met frontline staff, heard about current projects, and discussed the importance of early intervention and partnership working to help ensure victims and families can access support when they need it most.
The Somerset Domestic Abuse Service is delivered by The YOU Trust, Somerset Counselling Centre and Alongside (formally Julian House) on behalf of Somerset Council. The service provides free and confidential support to adults, children and young people affected by domestic abuse, including access to safe accommodation, community drop-ins, counselling, perpetrator and recovery programmes and access to legal support.
The visit also highlighted the strong partnership between the service, Somerset Council and Avon and Somerset Police. Through joint working, organisations are helping victims access support, improve their safety and make informed choices about reporting abuse.
A recent partnership initiative included joint visits to victims by domestic abuse specialists and police officers during the 2026 World Cup tournament, offering victims immediate support, safety planning and the opportunity to make a police report if they wish. This collaborative approach helps ensure victims receive both practical and emotional support at a critical time.
Natalie Mears, Somerset Domestic Abuse Service Manager, said:
It was a privilege to meet Claire and her team and to share the vital work undertaken by the Somerset Domestic Abuse Service in supporting individuals and families affected by domestic abuse.
We are committed to walking alongside those we support throughout their journey towards safety, recovery and rebuilding their lives.
Cllr Federica Smith-Roberts, Lead Member for Communities, Environment and Climate Change at Somerset Council, said:
I was pleased that Clare was able to visit the Somerset Domestic Abuse Service and meet the dedicated team who provide such vital support to people across Somerset.
It was a valuable opportunity to showcase the positive impact the service is making and to highlight the strong partnership working between Somerset Council, Somerset Domestic Abuse and Avon and Somerset Police.”
By working together, we can help ensure that more victims receive support, advice and protection they need at the earliest opportunity, helping them make informed choices and access support that is right for them.”
Clare Moody, Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner, said:
It has been brilliant to visit the Somerset Domestic Abuse Service and gain a deeper understanding of the support available to victims and survivors of domestic abuse. The range of support on offer is extensive, and it has been inspiring to see the difference being made by the dedicated people working here.
The most important person in any domestic abuse case is the survivor. Supporting them effectively requires strong partnership working, not just between the police and specialist services, but also with local authorities, health services and mental health support. All of these organisations must work together if we are to meet the needs of victims and survivors.
Tackling violence against women and girls is a priority for me and is at the centre of my Police and Crime Plan. I am a strong advocate for the work of the Somerset Domestic Abuse Service and for ensuring that victims and survivors can access help and support when they need it the most.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, support is available through the service’s helpline on 0800 69 49 999 (8am to 8pm, seven days a week).
Online information, advice and live chat support (Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm) is also available via the Somerset Domestic Abuse website.
In an emergency, always call 999. If you cannot speak, press 55 when prompted to be connected to the police.
Learn about the joint initiative following World Cup games here: Domestic abuse victims offered specialist support after World Cup games.
