SUPT SARAH JACKSON WRITES: Last month, in the run up to Christmas, I highlighted the work Hampshire Constabulary had been doing throughout 2018 to tackle domestic abuse, including renewed domestic abuse training to all frontline officers and staff.

 As we look ahead to what 2019 has to offer I thought it would be an appropriate time to talk more about this topic and draw readers’ attention to a new commissioned service here on the Island.

 You First is delivered by the You Trust, which provides support, advocacy, help and guidance to female and male victims and survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence.

They also provide services to children as victims and/or instigators in their own right.

 There’s a wide range of things that You First can help with, including refuge, resettlement, safety planning, one-to-one or support and recovery groups, and work with children and families.

 It’s clear the service is a vital one with national statistics showing one in four women, one in six men, and one in three people in same-sex relationships or who identify at bi-sexual or transgender, experience domestic abuse in their lifetime.

I chair the Island’s Domestic Abuse Forum, which sees a number of agencies working together.

The forum has overseen the introduction of You First, which works in partnership with clients to discuss all aspects of support plans so that actions can be decided together.

They will meet with victims at a time and place to suit the individual’s needs, and help people to develop independent living skills.

They can also help to signpost people to appropriate health services and provide support for parents.

 If you are experiencing domestic abuse and it is safe to do so, call You First on 0800 234 6266.

They’re open Monday to Friday. However, in an emergency always dial 999.

If you would like to speak to someone out of hours, the National DV Helpline number is 0808 2000 247.

You can also e-mail: youfirstIOW@theyoutrust.org.uk.