Show domestic violence the red card
As tonight’s England game fast approaches (Thursday 19 June 2014), Shropshire’s Safer Stronger Communities Partnership is urging the public to show domestic violence the red card.
The call-out comes in support of West Mercia’s joint campaign during World Cup 2014 to deter perpetrators of domestic abuse, and encourage those affected to seek help.
The “Kick off at home and face a 28-day ban” campaign sends a clear message to perpetrators of domestic abuse that if you ‘kick off at home’, you can expect to face a 28-day ban.
The partnership, which includes Shropshire Council, West Mercia Police and the Probation Service, wants to raise awareness on how abuse can affect people, and what partners can do to help support victims.
In Shropshire it is estimated that over 30,000 women will experience domestic abuse during their lifetime. In addition to this, domestic abuse, both nationally and locally, is significantly under-reported, and those people who experience domestic abuse will often keep it from family and friends and are unlikely to report abuse to public bodies.
Women may be affected by domestic violence in a number of ways and may experience any or all of the following:
- isolation from family/friends
- loss of income or work
- homelessness
- emotional/psychological effects such as experiences of anxiety, depression or lowered sense of self-worth
- poor health
- physical injury or ongoing impairment
- if they are pregnant, they may miscarry or the baby may be stillborn
- time off work or study, and long-term impact on financial security and career
- death: two women a week are killed by their partners or former partners.
Steve Charmley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member responsible for public protection, said:
“Regardless of whether the Three Lions let us down, don’t let yourself down. It’s a sorry, and somewhat shameful, fact that big sporting fixtures lead to a spike in incidents of domestic violence up and down the country – but it’s time to take action. These new domestic abuse powers will positively help towards minimising harm in our communities during the World Cup.”
Karen Calder, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for health, added:
“Domestic abuse can have a devastating effect. It ruins lives, breaks families apart and has an impact across generations. We want people to enjoy the World Cup whilst doing our utmost to stop the domestic violence which the heightened atmosphere can spark during this period. I would encourage anyone who is at risk to please seek help.”
Superintendent James Tozer of West Mercia Police added:
“We know from our data there was a spike in domestic incidents during the last World Cup. We want to warn those offenders that this year’s event as with any sporting event will not be used as a way of justifying such abusive behaviour.
“There is a clear message here – that domestic violence is never acceptable and it will never be tolerated.”
Abuse in the home 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. We want to reassure women, men and children of Shropshire who have suffered or witnessed abuse that we are ready to listen, and will do everything we can to ensure this important step is safe and as easy as possible.
If you’re suffering abuse, there are people who can help you. Facing up to the fact that you have an abusive partner can be hard, but it’s important that you get help as soon as you can.
For help and advice please click here for information on support agencies in your area, or call Women’s Aid 24 hour helpline on 0800 783 1359, the Refuge outreach service on 07919 478581, or call the South Shropshire Domestic Violence Service on 0300 303 1191 for local support.
You can also visit http://www.westmerciawomensaid.org/services/helpline.
Further information can be found on the Freedom Shropshire website at http://www.freedomshropshire.org.uk. Freedom Shropshire is designed to enable people who live and work in Shropshire to access relevant and up-to-date information on domestic abuse.
Further information
From 2 June 2014, new powers mean that officers across the whole of West Mercia entering a home in the immediate aftermath of domestic violence can prevent the perpetrator from returning to the address and from having contact with the victim for up to 28 days, by initially serving a Notice on them.
The magistrate’s court must then hear the case for the Domestic Violence Protection Order within 48 hours of the Notice being made.
If granted, the Order may last between a minimum of 14 days and a maximum of 28 days. This strikes a balance between immediate protection for the victim and judicial oversight.
