Officers tackle violence against girls alongside Maidstone horse charity

Officers dedicated to tackling violence against women and girls in Maidstone have teamed up with a horse-assisted learning charity.

‘Crime Cloppers’ is a new initiative, in collaboration with Team Tutsham Charitable Trust, designed to help girls recognise signs of abuse and exploitation, and empower them with the skills to handle difficult situations they may find themselves in.

The six-week course further aims to help participants, aged 10-17, develop self-confidence and an awareness of personal safety, as well as to improve victims’ support of police investigations.

Based at Tutsham Farm in Hunt Street, West Farleigh, the weekly sessions offer the opportunity to meet the charity’s horses, learn about equine care, and ride horses.

At the same time, staff will guide the girls through a curriculum designed to explore topics such as:

• Mental health and emotional resilience,
• Empowerment,
• Healthy relationships,
• Personal safety and awareness, and
• Drug risks.

PCSO Kirsty Greaves, who is leading the initiative alongside PCSO De Rose, said:

‘Kent Police takes violence against women and girls seriously, and we hope that by educating young girls about potential risks and teaching them to identify dangerous and/or risky situations and behaviours, we can reduce their risk of being exploited and ultimately prevent them coming to harm. ‘Our working partnership with Team Tutsham will allow skills to be developed through animal therapy sessions, during which the girls will be taught using visual aids and hands-on learning on the farm.’