Support against domestic abuse gets extra time

The annual event offered an opportunity for local services to get together to look at the support they provide to victims and perpetrators of abuse and find out about new county projects.

The event was organised by the county council’s Domestic Abuse Manager, Sue Ingram. She said: “A key task of the day was to look at the impact the World Cup may have on levels of domestic abuse in the county, and ensuring the right support was in place for people who need help to break free from abusive relationships.

“National research has shown that the combination of heightened emotions and increased alcohol consumption during major sporting events is linked to a rise in reported incidents. Of the 7000 reported cases of domestic violence reported to Warwickshire Police each year, around half involve alcohol so it is an important area to address.”

Throughout the tournament Warwickshire Police are undertaking activities to help protect people from harm. Detective Chief Inspector Nigel Jones from Warwickshire Police explained: “There will be an increased police presence around the county throughout the football competition. Additional staff in district Criminal Investigation Department and Major Investigation Unit have been put in place and specialist staff will be available on the days following the games to work with domestic abuse offenders and victims.

“There will be response vehicles in each district to attend domestic abuse incidents and gather evidence and specialist domestic abuse staff from police and partner agencies will visit those victims most at risk to ensure safety plans are providing the best protection for them.”

The event also celebrated the opening of a new women’s refuge in the Nuneaton and Bedworth area that will provide seven places for women including pregnant women and those with children under the age of 16.

Cllr Richard Hobbs, Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Community Protection, added: “Warwickshire County Council’s involvement in ‘Warwickshire Against Domestic Abuse’ is part of our commitment to protecting the community and making the county an even safer place to live.

"Working together with our partners on joint initiatives and events like this allows us to do more to ensure people get all the support they need and I hope victims will feel confident in coming forward to seek information or help from us.”

For help with domestic abuse issues or to find out about the Warwickshire Against Domestic Abuse partnership please visit www.talk2someone.org.uk or call the confidential Talk2Someone helpline 0800 408 1552.

In an emergency always dial 999.

Support is available for abusers to help them to change their behaviour. If you are worried about how alcohol can affect the way you treat other people, contact your local Community Alcohol Service on 02476 385688.

ENDS

For media enquiries and photography please contact Helen List in the Warwickshire County Council press office on 01926 414142.

Editors Notes

Domestic abuse is any incident of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse (psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional) between adults who are, or have ever been, intimate partners or family members, regardless of gender or sexuality.

Warwickshire Against Domestic Abuse is single identity through which public services, charities and organisations will raise awareness of domestic abuse and encourage those affected to seek help.

Partners include Warwickshire County Council, Warwickshire Police, district and borough councils, Warwickshire Domestic Violence Support Services, Victim Support, Domestic Abuse Counselling Service, Rugby RoSA and many other organisations involved in tackling domestic abuse.

Warwickshire Domestic Abuse Helpline - Calls from most landlines to the Warwickshire Domestic Abuse free-phone number 0800 408 1552 are free and not itemised on bills.

If in doubt, or you are calling from a mobile ‘phone, check with your service provider.

Outside normal hours, please call 0808 2000 247, the free-phone 24 hour National Domestic Violence Helpline, run in partnership between Women’s Aid and Refuge.

Community Alcohol Service – Swanswell

The Swanswell Charitable Trust manages the Community Alcohol Service in Warwickshire. They provide treatment to adults with alcohol problems. They provide one-to-one support, counselling and community detox and have three centres in Warwickshire.

Opening hours Monday-Friday 9am-5pm

www.swanswelltrust.org

Swanswell Riversley Resource Centre, Coton Rd, Nuneaton, CV11 5TY
Tel 02476 385688

Swanswell, Suite 5, Hilton House, Corporation Street, Rugby, CV21 2DN
Tel 01788 559400

Swanswell, 2a Church Terrace, Leamington, CV31 1EN
Tel 01926 453060