Warwickshire Police wins £12k to support Domestic Abuse victims over festive period

Warwickshire Police has just been awarded £12k of Home Office funding to support victims of Domestic Abuse over the festive period including Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

The funding will be used to provide a dedicated rapid response domestic abuse vehicle that aims to attend all incidents of domestic abuse over the Christmas period in the Nuneaton and Bedworth borough.

Chief Supt Neil Brunton said "Victims need the support of specialist staff and part of the funding will go to local charity, Warwickshire Domestic Violence Support Services who will provide outreach workers at peak times during the campaign to support victims.

"Domestic abuse is a crime. It is not acceptable and we are urging victims not to accept physical, verbal, mental or financial abuse from their partner. Please take the first step in seeking help by calling the police and reporting the incident. "

"As well as offering a quick response, our specially trained officers can refer you to local support agencies.

"Our statistics tell us that holiday periods are peak times for domestic abuse to take place. We also know that alcohol is a contributory factor in almost 50% of cases and that is why this initiative is running over the Christmas period.

Last Christmas 267 incidents of domestic abuse were reported to the police in Warwickshire. This included 43 over Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Christmas should be a magical time for children, however it is estimated that 80% of victim's children either witnessed or experienced domestic abuse.

Chief Supt Brunton said "The Nuneaton and Bedworth borough has been chosen because not only is it one of the busiest boroughs in Warwickshire in terms of policing generally but the densely populated area allows the rapid response vehicle to respond quickly as incidents arise.

The response vehicle will be double crewed by specially trained officers who will be equipped with body worn video and digital cameras to assist in the capture of evidence. The vehicle and officers are an additional resource over and above the normal borough policing level.

Chief Supt Brunton said "They are not being given any other duty and will be on standby to attend incidents at the busiest times and dates over the Christmas period. The vehicle will also conduct proactive work wherever possible including conducting checks on prolific domestic abuse offenders to ensure compliance with bail and other conditions.

John Williams of Warwickshire Domestic Violence Support Services said "There are a number of options available to victims of domestic abuse and we are here to help and advise victims. The most important thing is to tell someone. Don't keep it to yourself. Our volunteers are here to help.