Find out more about the latest programmes and developments within the Cumbria Victim Support team:

Victims of domestic abuse receive instant support in Cumbria

In a press release from Cumbria's Police and Crime Commissioner, Sarah Place, Senior Operations Manager, said:

"Victim Support Cumbria are extremely excited & looking forward to embedding Independent Domestic Violence advisors within Cumbria Constabulary's call room & dispatch centres.

"Our IDVAs are independent from the Police & other statutory services, trained to a very high standard to provide trauma informed support/advice & crisis response to victims & survivors. We are proud to be accredited by Safe Lives & hold our Leading Lights quality standards accreditation.

"We are able to explore current risks, alongside any required immediate safety planning and information provision.

"They are also able to explain the services we provide across Cumbria & arrange access to them, including offers of support to those who cause harm and may wish to change their behaviours & any children or young people who have witnessed, suffered or experienced domestic abuse within the home.

"If you contact the Police over a weekend and want to speak to an IDVA, please do not hesitate to ask.

"We look forward to working in collaboration with Cumbria Constabulary to ensure the  support & advice offered to victims & survivors of domestic abuse is safe, consistent and offered at a time that a victim or survivor needs it most."

Independent Stalking Advocacy Service

Cumbria Victim Support have launched a new independent stalking advocacy service, which provides dedicated, confidential support for individuals experiencing stalking. Led by a team of independent stalking advocates (ISAC's), this service offers personalised risk assessments, tailored safety planning and advocacy for all victims of stalking.

Stalking can be frightening, overwhelming and isolating. We're here to listen to your concerns, provide advice and information, and advocate on your behalf with agencies such as police, housing, or other support services. Whether you're looking for guidance, practical support, or someone to talk to that understands what you're going through, we're here to help you feel safer and more in control.

Domestic abuse drop-in sessions

Victim Support Cumbria are working in partnership with Westmoreland & Furness Council to provide free regular monthly drop-in sessions in for victims and professionals in the Penrith area to come along and meet a domestic abuse specialist.

Our independent domestic violence advisors (IDVAs) are specially trained to listen, validate and understand your needs and risk related to domestic abuse. They can also help you to explore additional support and/or safety mechanisms, alongside your options regarding reporting to the Police (if you chose to do so).

The drop in sessions will be the first Monday of every month in Penrith Library 9:30am to 3:30pm. No appointment is required.

Support and advice is open to all victims of domestic abuse aged 16 and over regardless if you have reported to the Police or not.

The drop in dates in 2025 are:

• 2 June
• 7 July
• 4 August
• 1 September
• 6 October
• 3 November
• 1 December.

Here are some unhealthy behaviours to look for when exploring if you're a victim of domestic abuse. It's also important to understand that not all domestic abuse is physical. It can take many forms such as:

• They make threats and do things that make you feel frightened.
• They put you down just to make you feel bad when you're alone or around friends.
• They make you do things you don't want to do without listening to you.
• They make you feel guilty if you don't spend time with them.
• They don't try to get on with your friends or family.
• They hit, slap or push you.
• They look through your phone, social media or web history.
• They want to know where you are all the time.
• They cheat on you or accuse you of cheating on them.
• They steal from you or make you buy them things.
• They make you have sex when you don't want to.

All relationships are different and depending on your own individual situation, you may need specialist help and support.

Our team are here to help you, please contact us on 0300 303 0157 or attend one of the drop-in sessions to access support and advice tailored to your specific needs.

Letting Go

Letting Go is an six-session programme for people who are struggling to let go of an intimate/close relationship non abusively. The aim is to maximise the safety of both adults and children experiencing harm caused by stalking and obsessive and possessive behaviours. We also support people through a break up. Call 0300 303 0157 for more information.

Limeculture re-accreditation

The Cumbria Victim Support ISVA service has recently been re-accredited by Limeculture's Quality Standards for Independent Sexual Violence Adviser (ISVA) Services. The Limeculture Independent Accreditation Programme awards a Quality Mark to services that demonstrate they meet these Quality Standards through a robust and independent accreditation process.

New Male Sexual Violence/Domestic Abuse caseworker

This new role will provide dedicated, tailored support for male victims of sexual violence/domestic abuse. It will work to encourage male victims to access vital support. In 2021-2022, Cumbria's Victim Support IDSVA team received 773 sexual violence referrals. 10% of victims supported were male. For all other crimes, referrals made by men increased to a third.

Health IDSVA

In partnership with the NHS, this new role will provide high quality pro-active service to victims of domestic and/or sexual violence and abuse. It will include supporting children and young people and will take place in a health setting. The aim is to encourage people to seek support and to identify people/situations which otherwise may not have been supported.