THE new national Victims’ Commissioner has become the first patron of a Tynedale-based domestic abuse charity.

Dame Vera Baird, formerly the Police and Crime Commissioner for Northumbria before taking up the new role, has agreed to become the patron of Northumberland Domestic Abuse Service, which operates from Hexham.

Dame Vera, who was publicly supportive of the charity as it appealed for funding to keep going earlier this year, said: “As patron of the Northumberland Domestic Abuse Service, I hope I can bring a much-needed voice to a relatively small charity which does such wonderful work to support people affected by domestic abuse.

“It will also help me to have a fuller understanding of the particular issues surrounding domestic abuse in rural areas.”

Jill Mindham-Walker, the chairman of trustees at the charity, welcomed the news and said Dame Vera’s support would help raise awareness of the problems faced by domestic abuse victims.

She said: “We are delighted that Dame Vera, who has always been steadfastly vocal and active in her work to tackle domestic abuse, has agreed to be our patron.

“We are certain she will make a huge impact on our work to increase awareness of the many issues affecting victims of domestic abuse.”

Northumberland Domestic Abuse Service, which started life under the name of 608030, provides practical and emotional support for men, women and children living in the county who are affected by domestic violence.

Its aims were to raise awareness within communities and to challenge abusive behaviours, tackle stigma and shift norms around domestic violence and abuse.