Drop-in sessions are being held in Kendal and Barrow to offer help to those experiencing domestic abuse.
Police will be working with support agencies in Barrow and Kendal in the run-up to Christmas – offering extra help to domestic abuse victims at a time of the year when offences might rise.
Specialist experienced officers will be available at the drop-in sessions where people can speak face-to-face outside a police environment.
Those who attend will be able to access advice and support, with the sessions offering a further safe environment to report abuse if people wish to.
The surgeries, which will run into the new year, are taking place at:
- Women’s Community Matters at Nan Tait Centre, Abbey Road, Barrow on December 2, December 6, December 9, December 13, January 6 and January 10, between 10am and 1pm.
- Springfield Domestic Abuse Support at Stricklandgate House, 92 Stricklandgate, Kendal on the same dates, again between 10am and 1pm.
While Cumbria Police offer help to those experiencing domestic abuse every day, the issue is highlighted in December due to a historical rise in offences around Christmas.
Detective Inspector Laura Nield said: “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.
“This extra work at this time of year helps people at a time of increased emotion and also enhances a positive relationship with these two partner organisations to benefit those suffering abuse.
“Our officers can be on hand outside the usual police environment of a police station to be a friendly face to those who need our help.
“They can offer advice; and if someone wants to report abuse the officer can take a statement or arrange for an officer to attend a mutually convenient place for this to happen.
“We’d like to thank Women’s Community Matters and Springfield Domestic Abuse Support for working with us and helping those who need help.”
A spokesperson for Springfield said: “We are hugely thankful to Cumbria Police for holding these drop-in sessions.
“Attending a police station to report a crime or make a statement to the police can be a very daunting prospect especially to those who have been subjected to domestic abuse.
“Our staff are on hand to speak to anyone who is experiencing domestic abuse or for those of you who think you know someone who is experiencing abuse. Please get in touch with us.”
A spokesperson for Women’s Community Matters referred to a quote by Women’s Aid: “Christmas is supposed to be the season of goodwill, but for many who may be trapped at home with an abuser, it is about surviving.”
They added: “It is a time of heightened stress levels and emotions, which can therefore see an increase in incidents of domestic abuse.
“We very much value the benefits of multi-agency working and are grateful to Westmorland and Furness Safeguarding Team from Cumbria Police for enabling us to offer these drop-in surgeries over the festive period and into the New Year.
“We understand that speaking with the police in an unfamiliar setting or even the location where a client has been subject to domestic abuse, can be extremely frightening.
“Therefore, being able to talk to someone in a safe environment is invaluable. Please make contact with Women’s Community Matters for more information.”
Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, David Allen, said: “Domestic abuse is a terrifying ordeal for anyone to go through. It isn’t just a physical act – domestic abuse can include financial control, fear, intimidation and overall controlling behaviour.
“I would urge anyone in this situation to contact the police. However, I understand that this isn’t the ideal route for everyone which is why services and drop-ins such as these help those experiencing domestic abuse are so important.
“If you cannot attend these surgeries or they aren’t in your area, I commission services across Cumbria to help – whether you have reported to the police or not.
“One of these services is Victim Support, who can provide tailored help or signpost you to another service that is better suited to help you. Call the Victim Support SupportLine at any time of day on 08 08 16 89 111.
“You are not alone – please reach out for help.”
How do I 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.
You can get more advice about domestic abuse here: Advice about domestic abuse | Cumbria Police
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
Contact Springfield 24/7 on 0808 1757070 or go to Springfield Support
Contact Women’s Community Matters on 01229 311102 or go to: www.womenscommunitymatters.org
