Trevi launches new service to support women connected to the Armed Forces
Women serving in the armed forces and from military families can access support for trauma and domestic abuse at Trevi. This is thanks to over £148,000 funding from the Armed Forces Covenant ‘Free from Fear’ fund.
Plymouth has approximately 10,000-armed force personnel and reservists. Trevi, the award-winning women’s charity in Plymouth, supports over 1000 women a year by providing safe and nurturing spaces for women in recovery to heal, grow and thrive through targeted outreach and wrap-around therapeutic support.
Chief Executive Amanda Greenwood said: “We are very grateful to the Armed Forces Covenant for recognising the need for this important work in Plymouth meaning we can now expand our service and provide bespoke support for military communities.
“National research shows that women serving, and those from military families, often face additional barriers to disclosing domestic abuse – especially around confidentiality and career impact. Trevi’s new service offers an independent, confidential route to support.
“We have an open door for women seeking support where they need it most. Last year, over 500 women were referred to our Sunflower Women’s Centre, 89% were victims of domestic abuse, including spouses of serving personnel. At Trevi, with our partners and as part of multi-agency approach for a safer Plymouth, we are committed to working collaboratively to end violence and abuse.”
Luke Pollard, MP for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport, said: “There is no place for abuse in our Armed Forces.
“I want anyone facing unacceptable behaviour to know that support is available.
“Trevi are superb and I’m so pleased they are able to help people in the Armed Forces family to get the support they need.”
Carol Stone, Director of Grants at Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust said: “Our Free from Fear programme helps to build and strengthen support for those who’ve experienced, or may still be experiencing, domestic abuse within our armed forces communities. It focuses on trauma-informed pathways and provides specialist support which considers the unique challenges victim-survivors in the military community can face.
“Trevi’s project is helping women navigate the right paths to support and empowering them to move forward; and the Trust is eager to see the positive difference this will make in the coming months and years.”
The Trevi team attended Plymouth Armed Forces Day in June to connect with Armed Forces organisations and launch the service to families and partners in Plymouth.
If you, or someone you know needs help, please get in touch with the team at Trevi’s Sunflower Women’s Centre who will talk you through the kinds of support available.
