SALISBURY'S Jobcentre is set to have a trained domestic abuse point of contact by the end of summer, work and pensions secretary Amber Rudd has announced.

It will be part of a nationwide rollout to identify and support the needs of anyone experiencing domestic abuse

DWP staff in the South West have already undergone specialist training from expert organisation Women’s Aid, but these newly assigned points of contact will expand that further.

Staff will work closely with local services to share knowledge and signpost to additional, external support.

Kirstie Reakes, customer service manager in Salisbury Jobcentre, said: “We want all of our customers to feel safe, to know they’re going to get the right help and support, and that DWP staff will listen to them and support them.”

Amber Rudd added: “Domestic abuse is a despicable crime that often happens behind closed doors, making it incredibly difficult to detect. By ensuring there is a specially trained domestic abuse support officer in every UK Jobcentre, we are increasing the likelihood that someone will spot the tell-tale signs and get support to the victim quickly.

“And with the automatic recommendation that payments are to go to the main carer, we’re making it easier for women to build the financial independence they need to leave their abuser.”