Warwickshire Against Domestic Abuse launches Christmas campaign

Warwickshire Against Domestic Abuse is today, 25 November, launching a Christmas campaign aimed at encouraging perpetrators of domestic abuse to do something to change their behaviour.

Domestic abuse is often seen to increase over the Christmas period as families spend more time together, and stresses about money and alcohol put additional pressure on relationships.

Sue Ingram, Domestic Abuse Manager at Warwickshire County Council said 

"Christmas is a happy time for the majority of families but family time together for some can become tense and violent.

“We are launching this campaign now to help perpetrators of domestic abuse realise they need to change their behaviour and change it now"

DS Simon Timerick, of Warwickshire Police said “We are urging anyone who commits domestic abuse to stop and think about their behaviour now before it is too late.   Warwickshire Against Domestic Abuse is distributing 25,000 posters and 40,000 beermats throughout Warwickshire during the Christmas period to help get this message across. “

“Abuse is all about control and you may feel that no-one can touch you.  But sooner or later you will be arrested and lose your liberty.  You could go to court so it will be in the paper.  You could lose your job, your family, your home and your standing in the community.

“You are responsible for your behaviour.  Do something now to change your future.  We want to help you and there is a range of services available.  More information on the services available is on www.talk2someone.org.uk or by calling the Warwickshire Against Domestic Abuse helpline on 0800 408 1552.

Kate Farmer of the Domestic Abuse Counselling Service that offers a programme of one to one individual support and counselling to men and women who are being abusive or violent said

“Have you ever felt or said - when I get angry I lose control of myself, when I’ve had a few drinks, things just get a bit out of hand, or - She/he winds me up?

“Everyone experiences difficulties in life or in a relationship. This never justifies the use of violence or abuse.  You will be treated with respect, we judge the act not the person.

“To make an appointment, please contact 0845 004 4075 and ask for me, Kate Farmer. “

Sue Ingram said “If you think alcohol is to blame for your behaviour, then you can get help from agencies such as Swanswell Trust.  Domestic abuse isn't caused by alcohol, but plays a large part in the number of incidents reported, as we know that it is a factor in nearly 40% of all incidents"

DS Simon Timerick said “Domestic abuse is not acceptable and we are also asking the public to help stop domestic abuse in our communities. 

“It is now much more socially acceptable to report domestic abuse than it ever has been.   At some time in their lives 1 out of every 4 women and 1 out of 6 men will be affected by domestic abuse.  If you are friends, family or neighbours to someone who you believe is abusing their partner or member of their family, please don’t ignore it, report it to police on 01926 415000.  If it is an emergency dial 999.  If you need advice dial 0800 408 1552 or visit www.talk2someone.org.uk

Over half victims tell a friend or relative - three times higher than telling police or a medical professional.  In 31% of cases the police are informed by someone other than the victim.   You could really help.

Domestic abuse is a hidden crime but it is happening every day in Warwickshire.  Nationally, two women a week and 30 men a year lose their lives as a result of domestic abuse.  Domestic abuse is the biggest cause of deaths among 19 to 44 year old women  - more than cancer or traffic accidents and there are more repeat victims than any other type of offence.

Six hundred incidents of domestic abuse are reported every month to police in Warwickshire but during December we are expecting to see a 33% increase in domestic abuse incidents reported to us.  This is mostly concentrated over the end of December and start of January holiday period.

Help and information is available from a variety of agencies in Warwickshire,  for perpetrators of domestic abuse, victims and the young people whose lives are affected.  Visit www.talk2someone.org.uk or call the Warwickshire Against Domestic Abuse helpline on 0800 408 1552 to be signposted to help.

Since the launch of a new Warwickshire Against Domestic Abuse website in June 2008, over 2,500 people have visited www.talk2someone.org.uk and calls to the talk2someone domestic abuse helpline 0800 408 1552 have increased by 400%.

The launch coincides with White Ribbon Day in the UK which aims to ensure men take more responsibility for reducing the level of violence against women.

PHOTOS AND IMAGES: To request a photo of Warwickshire Against Domestic Abuse partners with marketing materials taken at the launch event in Rugby Town Hall at 2pm on 25 November or jpegs of marketing materials (posters and beermats) please contact the Newsdesk on 01926 415065 or Warwickshire County Council press office on 01926 418605.

More facts and figures about domestic abuse in Warwickshire are also available on request.