West Sussex Connect: Domestic abuse survivor helps launch support project

Some of the West Sussex Connect project team at the launch of the pilot in Chichester

A pilot project developed by survivors of domestic abuse will help families and individuals in West Sussex.

The three-year programme adopts ‘a whole family approach’ to supporting victims and survivors of domestic abuse and their families – with West Sussex being one of only two ‘beacon’ sites to pilot the work.

Launched at the Assembly Room, in Chichester, on Wednesday (November 14), the West Sussex Connect project is a partnership between West Sussex County Council, UK-wide domestic abuse charity SafeLives, and specialist frontline services.

Representatives from each of the partners gave speeches at the launch, including Rachel Williams, a SafeLives pioneer and domestic abuse survivor who has published a book about her experience.

Domestic abuse survivor Rachel Williams at the launch of the West Sussex Connect project in Chichester

Talking about the project, Rachel said: “As a survivor myself of domestic abuse and violence, whilst I was on my own journey to freedom, no one ever asked me what ‘I’ wanted.

“Some services presume they know what is right for those sadly finding themselves on similar journeys, without actually taking the time to ask them.

“I am elated to say that Connect is a result of asking what the victims and survivors want and need.

“This truly is a service that has been put together through the voices of those who have been and will be using it in the future.”