“The most beautiful people we
have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle,
known loss and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an
appreciation, a sensitivity and an understanding of life that fills them with
compassion, gentleness and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just
happen.” E
Kubler-Ross
Working together for a safer, cleaner and stronger neighbourhood.
Thursday, 27 August 2015
Thursday, 20 August 2015
Wednesday, 19 August 2015
Police encourage reporting of domestic abuse as part of violence campaign
Cumbria Constabulary are encouraging victims of
domestic abuse not to suffer in silence and report such incidents as part of a
wider operation targeting violent crime.
As part of the operation launch, police are
urging potential offenders to do the right thing or face the consequences of
their actions.
Over the past few years the Force has seen a
rise in the number of domestic abuse incidents. In the last four years in the
month of August Cumbria Constabulary have received 2,530 incidents of domestic
abuse. This has increased from 548 incidents in August 2011 to 648 incidents in
August 2014.
The increase in the number of incidents reported
are encouraging as it indicates that confidence is increasing in reporting
domestic abuse.
Temporary Detective Inspector Ralph Henderson
said: “There is a perception that domestic abuse is
violence, but it is not just physical. Domestic abuse can be emotional, verbal,
financial or harassing behaviour. It affects not only partners but everyone
within the family.
“Domestic abuse is under-reported, but every
year we are seeing more people having the confidence to pick up the phone and
report abusive incidents. Cumbria Constabulary have experienced and specially
trained officers who will deal with any report in a sensitive and professional
manner.
“Police work with partner agencies all year
round to support families who live in fear and to encourage them to make
contact. There are a number of ways in which victims can get help, for example
through agencies such as Let Go and Safe lives.
“I would like to speak directly to those who are
victims of abuse to come forward and report it, don’t suffer in silence, help
and support is available. Nobody deserves to be subjected to abusive behaviour,
it is never the victim’s fault.
“I would also like to state that Cumbria
Constabulary has a conviction rate well above the national average for those
who commit domestic abuse. To those who abuse their loved ones, there is no
justification or excuse for your actions and we will endeavour to bring you to justice.”
Police and Crime Commissioner Richard Rhodes
said “I would urge anyone affected by domestic
violence to heed police advice and have the courage and confidence to come
forward. Only by reporting this terrible crime and seeking the support they
need – either from the police or the other agencies – can victims begin to
rebuild their lives. Tackling domestic violence is a key priority of mine, and
I am working with the police and other agencies to build on and improve the
support systems that will make a real difference.
“There are a number of programmes which I am
supporting within the county such as Turning the Spotlight and Step Up. Turning
the Spotlight provides wrap around support for whole families, working with
perpetrators to address their behaviour as well as providing support for
partners and children. The focus of the Step Up programme is to work with adolescents who are violent towards family members and uses cognitive behavioural skills where young people and families learn and practice skills for
respectful, non-violent family relationships and safety in the home.
“These projects are the first of their kind in
Cumbria and it is a real step forward in providing support to families and
young people at the earliest opportunity. People are able to self-refer through
the Victim Care Unit on 03003 230 085.”
Anyone who would like to report domestic abuse
should call Cumbria Police on 101, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800
555 111.
For more information on domestic violence please
visit: www.cumbria.police.uk/dv.
For more information on the ‘Do the Right Thing’
campaign please visit: www.cumbria.police.uk/dotherightthing.
Friday, 14 August 2015
Thought for the Week
"When
we seek to discover the best in others, we somehow bring out the best in
ourselves." William Arthur Ward
