Domestic abuse victims urged to reach out for help

Police are urging anyone suffering domestic abuse to reach out and seek help.

National figures show three women a week are murdered by a current or former partner. Recent analysis by academics, charities and victims’ groups also point to the further impact of these offences.

Figures suggest the number of women’s deaths linked to domestic abuse rises to 10 a week when suicide of people affected is also taken into account.

Due to a historical rise in offences as Christmas approaches, Cumbria police is emphasising at this time of year the importance of people coming forward and seeking help if they are suffering abuse.

Nobody should have to experience such offences and officers work hard around-the-clock to safeguard those at risk of abuse and to make sure perpetrators of abuse face the consequences, police said.

The weeks covering the Christmas period tend to lead to an increase in reports of domestic abuse, when alcohol-fuelled nights out, the stresses of this time of year and inflamed emotions arise and combine.

Officers want people to know there is support available and they don’t have to suffer in silence and those who commit abuse are also encouraged to face up to their responsibilities and seek help.

Additional street patrols will run with officers briefed on key factors to watch out for to prevent violence against women and girls.

Other extra measures during this busy period include having an independent support worker for victims of domestic abuse accompanying officers on patrol.

Detective Chief Inspector Vicki Coombes is the force’s lead officer on domestic abuse.

She said: “Christmas should be a happy time and in itself this time of year is not a cause of domestic abuse. But environments involving high emotions and alcohol consumption can sometimes lead to violent or abusive behaviour.

“It’s shocking to think of the tragic legacy these offences can have, beyond the initial impact of the violence or coercive behaviour itself.

“That’s why we say: Nobody should ever have to suffer domestic abuse. If you’re scared at home, there is help out there.”

According to some of the latest statistics, conviction rates at court in Cumbria for domestic abuse were 90 per cent in September, against a national average of 76 per cent. Consistently Cumbria is above the national average.

DCI Coombes said: “Tackling these awful crimes and safeguarding vulnerable people is a key priority for us.

“We take all reports seriously and we treat all cases with sensitivity. If you are suffering, please get in touch. We are here to help and support you.

“Even if right now you only have questions, I would urge you to contact us.

“Getting the right support can empower someone to take their next positive step forward. There is a whole wealth of support services available in Cumbria – this can include counselling, financial advice, substance or alcohol misuse or emotional health and wellbeing.”

The constabulary said it constantly evaluated its own response and aimed to always improve the service it provided. Since last year, it has given 750 officers advanced training to deal with domestic abuse, specifically controlling and coercive behaviour.

This is now automatically part of training for new recruits, a spokesman added.

The force also has more than 75 domestic abuse champions – officers and staff across all ranks who promote positive handling of domestic abuses cases and give other officers support and advice.

The constabulary is also part of the Multi-Agency Tasking and Co-ordination process, which identifies and tackles serial perpetrators of domestic abuse. It aims to safeguard adults and children at risk of domestic abuse and reduce offending.

There are five categories of domestic abuse:

Physical abuse
Psychological abuse
Sexual abuse
Economic abuse
Emotional abuse

How do you report domestic abuse to police?

If you have been the victim of domestic abuse, or are concerned for someone who is, you can report this by calling 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency.

How do I access support services?

You can access support services regardless of whether you have reported a crime to the police.

To access support services independently, contact Victim Support 24/7 on 0808 1689 111 – or go to cumbria-pcc.gov.uk/victim-service/

Services available

Domestic Abuse Partnerships emergency accommodation. In an emergency, contact your local council.

Copeland: Homelessness3@cumberland.gov.uk; t: 01946 598300 24 hours
Allerdale: Homelessnes1@cumberland.gov.uk; t: 01900 702660 office hours, 0300 373 3730 out-of-hours
Carlisle: Homelessness2@cumberland.gov.uk; t: 01228 817428 office hours, 01228 817373 / 817386 out-of-hours
Barrow: dutytorefer1@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk; t: 01229 876599 office hours, 01229 833311 out-of-hours
Eden: housingoptions@edenha.org.uk or dutytorefer2@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk; t: 01768 861499 office hours, 0800 0614232 out-of-hours
South Lakeland: homelessness@southlakeland.gov.uk; t: 01539 793 199 office hours, 01229 833311 out-of-hours

Local support services

Gateway 4 Women (Carlisle) t: 01228 212090 e: admin@cumbriagateway.co.uk
Women Out West (Whitehaven) t: 01946 550103/ 07516 416040 – e: wowadmin@ttcwestcumbria.org
Women Community Matters (Barrow) t: 01229 311102 – e: reception@womenscommunitymatters.org
Freedom Project (West Cumbria) for women, men and children affected by domestic abuse – t: 01900 67167/ 07712 117986 – e: admin@freedom-project-westcumbria.org.uk
Springfield (South Lakeland). Women’s refuge support takes referrals nationwide. Community-based support available for men, women and children t: 01539 726171 – e: refuge@springfieldsupport.org; Men, women and children: help@springfieldsupport.org

Cumbria-wide services

Cumbria Victim Support t: 0300 3030 157 (local) Monday – Friday 9am – 6pm and 24/7 Support Line 0808 1689 111 – e: cumbria.admin@victimsupport.org.uk
Safety Net for women, men and children affected by domestic abuse – Countywide service t: 01228 515859 https://www.safetynetuk.org/make-a-referral
The Birchall Trust for women, men and children affected by domestic abuse – Countywide service https://www.birchalltrust.org.uk/referrals