The suggestion in last week’s paper that Croydon’s ‘domestic violence services are at risk’ could not be further from the truth.

The council’s budget for tackling DV has increased this year from £562k to £602k. This covers both outreach work and the successful Family Justice Centre, which is thriving and continues to receive significant funding.

Services delivered by the centre have changed and evolved since it was opened in 2006, and our experience has allowed us to create a comprehensive support network that assists almost 100 victims every month.

Staff now ensure that they address not only the needs of the victims themselves, but also the wider needs of the whole family,
Specialist advisers and therapists ensure that those suffering from DV have a safe, secure and welcoming place to come when they most need our help.

Anyone with a professional interest is more than welcome to join our domestic violence forum - including those who have spoken out recently in support of the FJC. In that way they can contribute their views productively and see for themselves how much we value these important services.

Councillor Tim Pollard,

cabinet member for children, families and learning
Croydon