Advice centre opens for violence victims

Ms Wemyss says the centre offers a range of help

A new centre is opening in Northamptonshire on Thursday to offer support for victims of domestic violence.

The Butterfly Centre, run by Northamptonshire Police and the Victim Support charity, is based in the Abbey Building in Daventry.

Staff will offer counselling and advice, as well as security devices such as home alarms and panic buttons.

The centre's Kim Wemyss said it was important to provide "a private environment in which victims can talk to a caring person".

Hidden violence

She added that those seeking help would be reassured that they could report incidents to the police without pressing charges.

She said: "Domestic abuse can often be very secretive with even the victim's close family and friends not knowing what is going on.

"The Butterfly Centre aims to makes sure that the victim knows they are not alone."

The centre will be open on Tuesday mornings and Thursday afternoons.