Our goal is to end domestic abuse

News from our partners Shropshire Community Safety Partnership

Shropshire’s Community Safety Partnership is supporting West Mercia Police’s campaign to tackle domestic abuse in the run up and during Euro 2016.

West Mercia Police has issued a warning to offenders as the start of the tournament approaches.

Our goal

Officers are warning offenders that, if they kick off at home, they could face a 28-day ban from the victim’s home. Domestic Violence Protection Notices (DVPN) and Domestic Violence Protection Orders (DVPO) are designed to protect victims of domestic abuse and their children by giving them the space, time and support to plan a safer future by keeping the offender away. Officers are also distributing posters among local communities to raise awareness of the agencies and support available for victims of domestic abuse.

Detective Chief Inspector Vikki Reay said:

“Domestic abuse doesn’t have to be physical; it can also be psychological, emotional, sexual and financial.

“While sporting events such as the Euros can be an enjoyable time for many, research examining the 2010 World Cup found that, nationally, domestic abuse reports were up 27.7% when the England team won a game, and 31.5% when they lost.

“Drinking alcohol can be a factor in many cases, and it’s a sad fact that this leads to an increase in the number of people who endure some form of violence, threatening behaviour or emotional abuse from their partner. We know abuse isn’t always centred around sporting events and key dates of the year and that sometimes there are no warning signs.

“Domestic abuse affects men and women from all walks of life and children are often affected as they may witness abuse. There are support services available and no-one should suffer in silence.

“If you are concerned about yourself, your partner, a friend or relative then please contact the police. Every report of domestic abuse is recorded and investigated, with victims safeguarded.

“There’s also help available if you are concerned about your own or someone else’s behaviour towards their partner.”

West Mercia Police forms part of the Shropshire Community Safety Partnership. The partnership is made up of several key organisations who work together to protect and safeguard Shropshire’s local communities and improve community safety and well-being.

Members include:

• Shropshire  Fire & Rescue Service
• Shropshire Council
• West Mercia Police
• National Probation Service
• West Mercia and Warwickshire Community Rehabilitation Company
• Youth Offending Service
• Voluntary and Community Sector
• Shropshire Clinical Commissioning Group

Karen Calder, member of Shropshire’s Community Safety Partnership, and Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for health and well-being, said:

“Football is a fantastic game that brings all communities young and old together and, although it doesn’t cause domestic abuse, it’s an issue which in some relationships can compound it.

“Shropshire’s Community Safety Partnership fully supports West Mercia Police’s campaign. Domestic abuse is one of the hardest issues to talk about and it often takes tremendous courage for victims to come forward, seek support, and talk about their experiences.

“It is vital that we keep domestic abuse at the top of our agenda, and we remain committed to working together to help those who suffer domestic abuse in every way we can.”

West Mercia Police work closely with West Mercia Domestic Violence and Abuse Support Line where you can get more information about the support, help advice and safety planning. This service is confidential and free from landlines. 0800 783 1359 – Herefordshire, Shropshire and Telford.  0800 980 3331 – Worcestershire.

You can also visit the West Mercia Police website, call the police on 101, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. In an emergency, always call police on 999.

For further information on domestic abuse, visit the Freedom Shropshire website, created to enable people who live and work in Shropshire to access relevant and up to date guidance and advice on domestic abuse and violence and to provide information on services offered within Shropshire: www.freedomshropshire.org.uk.

Further information

Shropshire’s Community Safety Partnership believes that all residents have the right to live peacefully within their home, and communities and are committed to making Shropshire safe by working together to tackle domestic violence, crime and anti-social behaviour.