Supporting victims of violence

CARING role: Pride nominees (l-r) Lindsey Wheelhouse, Kelly Whittaker and Jenni Spangler, of the Independent Domestic Abuse Advisory Service

A CARING voice in a time of trauma is what members of Oldham’s domestic violence team offers each of the people with whom it comes into contact.

Now the sterling efforts of the team have been noticed, with a nomination for a Pride in Oldham Award.

Lindsey Wheelhouse, domestic abuse co-ordinator, is backed up by two members of staff to form the Independent Domestic Abuse Advisory Service (IDAA) in Oldham, part of the council.

The team, including Jenni Spangler and Kelly Whittaker, are in direct contact with high-risk victims of domestic abuse and strive in a time of crisis to increase their safety and make sure they have the support they so badly need.

The nominator, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “It’s just an horrendous time to go through but they are always there at the end of the phone and nothing is too much.

“They make you feel as if you are the only person they are dealing with and that is not the case.

“It is tough dealing with an abusive partner, but they help you get back on the right path, always on the end of the phone and what they do is invaluable.”

Whether coming into contact with victims for a matter of weeks or a matter of years, the service is one many locals couldn’t live without.

A thrilled Lindsey Wheelhouse said: “This is the first time we’ve been nominated for an award.

“Domestic abuse is quite a hidden crime so what we do can go under the radar — it’s really nice be nominated.

“It’s rewarding knowing we can make a difference to people either feeling safe in their own homes or in their everyday lives.

“It can be a difficult job but it is rewarding.”