Police officers around the county will be distributing impactive posters amongst communities over the festive period to raise awareness of domestic violence and highlight the support that is available for victims in Cumbria.
The campaign is designed to make people stop and think about domestic violence and highlight the hard work that goes on all year round to identify those at risk and protect them and their families.
Dedicated teams of police officers, alongside partner agencies, actively monitor and target domestic violence perpetrators through intelligence led operations that run consistently throughout the year. Specially trained officers are posted all around the county to respond to incidents of domestic violence and wear fitted head cams wherever possible to ensure that evidence is gathered at the earliest opportunity.
It is hoped that the hard hitting poster campaign will open the eyes of families and friends of suspected victims to encourage them to speak out and report their suspicions to police.
In 2009, officers responded to 5608 reports of domestic violence in Cumbria compared to 5300 incidents in 2008. 77 per cent of the incidents that went to court in 2009 resulted in a conviction. Between January and November 2010, police have attended 5642 incidents of domestic violence across the county. This significant rise in numbers is due to the fact that every single operational police officer has received training in how to identify, risk assess and deal with domestic abuse incidents.
Domestic violence is traditionally under reported with only around 35 per cent of incidents disclosed to police so officers hope to see a rise in the number of crimes reported to them over the festive season.
The Detective Superintendent who leads the County’s Public Protection Unit, Andy Slattery, said: “It is a sad fact that domestic abuse rises over Christmas as tensions can often run high, families get together and lots of alcohol is consumed.
“Because domestic abuse is under-reported, any rise in the number of cases has a positive side as it means more victims have the courage and confidence to come forward. We aim to increase reporting but in doing so we strive to reduce the level of seriousness of incidents and reduce the number of repeated incidents in high risk cases.
“This important campaign is designed to bring the issue of domestic violence to the forefront of our minds. Work goes on throughout the year to protect victims of domestic abuse who feel trapped within a cycle of abuse and with the help of partner agencies, we put support measures in place to help victims in Cumbria take the important steps to break this cycle and stop living in fear.
“Inbuilt panic alarms, counselling and other practical support is available but victims need the confidence to confide in someone, or make one phone call to police so that we can help. We support victims throughout the process – from the initial report they make to police right through to court and subsequent prosecutions.
“Most people look forward to Christmas but for victims of abuse, it can be a desperate time. People have the right to enjoy the festive season safely and free of violence of any sort – at home or out and about in our communities.
“Domestic abusers are cowards. They inflict pain and suffering on those closest to them who are least likely to report to the police. The message from us is clear; we can and will support victims to escape the abusive and controlling behaviour they endure at the hands of their partners.
“Anyone who thinks that they are above the law and have the right to abuse others should know that we are out there and will come down hard on you. You will be caught and brought to justice.”
Anyone who has been a victim of domestic violence or has any information regarding incidents is urged to contact any Police Officer or call Cumbria Police on 0845 33 00 247.
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