Domestic violence under spotlight

2:25pm Thursday 3rd May 2001

YOUNG people are being encouraged to think about domestic violence in a campaign by Bexley Women's Aid.

The charity, which helps victims of domestic violence, commissioned drama company Wrong Exit to produce a play on the issue.

The company recruited a dozen young people from Bexley schools who were involved in Bexley's community play last year and who have continued their interest in drama at the Erith youth and community centre.

The play, entitled Don't Try This At Home, has been nominated for a Bexley Arts Council award, but the Women's Aid budget limited it to four public performances. These were for audiences of mainly young people at Townley Girls Grammar School, in Bexleyheath, Belvedere community centre, and Sidcup youth club.

The fourth performance was at Bexley civic offices, for an audience of councillors and professionals working with youngsters.

Sharon from Bexley Women's Aid said: “The play is aimed at 14 to 17-year-olds. We would like to do more of this kind of work, but it is expensive.

We paid for this from our own funds but we ran short of money and could only afford four performances.”

Bexley Women's Aid does have other projects running. These include a drop-in centre at Queen Mary's Hospital, Sidcup, on the second Thursday of the month, from 10am until noon. The next one is tomorrow. Another drop-in centre is open in the Thamesmead family service unit at 2 Maran Way, Thamesmead, on alternate Thursdays, from 1 to 3pm. The next one is also tomorrow.

And it has a project running on the Larner Road estate in Erith.

The charity is also setting up support groups for domestic violence victims. Call 0208 301 1536.

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