Visiting BANES, Frome and Bridgwater to discuss domestic abuse support, local business crime issues and meet with the hunting community

Discussing local business crime issues in Frome

On Friday, 22nd August, I visited Frome and met with Anna Sabine, MP for Frome and East Somerset. Our discussion covered a range of local issues, including rural and retail crime, women’s safety in rural areas, anti-social behaviour, road safety, and police visibility.

Following the meeting, Anna and I joined local police officers in Frome town, where we spoke to shop owners and residents. Speaking with shop owners who have recently experienced break-ins highlighted their understandable frustrations. I assured them of the police’s commitment to tackling those responsible for business crime and reiterated the importance of reporting incidents.

With the Neighbourhood Guarantee, communities like Frome will begin to see an increase in officer patrols, helping to improve safety and visibility.

Clare Moody with Anna Sabine, MP and Inspector Rachel Clark

Hearing from the people who are working to tackle domestic abuse across Bath and North East Somerset

I then visited the Southside project in Bath, meeting staff and volunteers working to empower victim-survivors of domestic abuse across Bath and North East Somerset.

Penny McKissock MBE, the dedicated CEO and founder of Southside, welcomed me alongside the team. We talked through the organisation’s outstanding work in tackling domestic abuse and supporting individuals and families.

Southside’s team of Intake Workers and Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVAs) give specialist advice and support to people aged 16 and over with experience of abuse. Services are inclusive and accessible to all, recognising that while women are most likely to experience domestic abuse, men, people in same-sex relationships, and trans and non-binary individuals may also be victims.

Southside has dedicated resources to recognise the unique challenges faced by older victims of domestic abuse through the work of a dedicated Older Persons’ IDVA. Many older individuals face additional barriers to accessing support and may not recognise abusive behaviours, making this specialist role vital in identifying and responding to hidden harm.

The organisation knows the importance of restoring the power to victims and their families to find lasting solutions. They work with victim-survivors to develop a detailed assessment of each individual’s needs and risk level, followed by the development of a tailored plan. Southside’s workers provide ongoing guidance throughout the process, helping victims improve their safety, quality of life, and self-confidence.

The trauma-informed, inclusive approach ensures that people they work with, regardless of age, gender, or background, receives the support they need to feel safe. It was a privilege to meet their dedicated team. Working with organisations like Southside is essential to building safer, stronger communities across Avon and Somerset.

Meeting Chief Executive and founder of Southside Penny McKissock MBE and team, with Inspector Jo Hayward-Melen

Hearing from those involved in hunting and reflecting the voices of residents who have expressed concerns

From visiting Southside in BANES, I went to Bridgwater and met with representatives of Somerset’s hunting community, alongside Inspector Joe Piscina, who leads the Avon and Somerset Police Rural Crime Team. This meeting provided an opportunity to engage with hunt masters ahead of the upcoming hunting season.

For many in rural communities, hunting is a longstanding tradition, closely tied to land management, conservation, and local identity. However, it remains a subject of debate, with opponents calling for legislative changes to strengthen the Hunting Act.

During the meeting, hunt masters shared their perspectives on the traditions and regulations surrounding hunting, as well as the challenges they face in maintaining lawful and respectful practices. I listened to their concerns and emphasised the importance of upholding the law, protecting wildlife, and prioritising community safety.

We also discussed concerns raised by local residents and opponents of hunting, including issues such as trespass, road safety, and the emotional impact of hunting activities near homes and public spaces. I reiterated my commitment to balancing the rights of all groups, ensuring the police are equipped to respond effectively to any breaches of the law, and that allegations related to hunting are investigated appropriately by the Rural Crime Team.

This meeting was a valuable opportunity to hear directly from those involved in hunting and to reflect the voices of residents who have expressed concerns. I remain committed to ensuring our policing approach is fair, transparent, and responsive to the needs of all communities.

I will continue working with Avon and Somerset Police, local councils, and community representatives to promote respectful dialogue and lawful conduct across the region.