Police launch campaign to stop domestic abuse heartbreak

Greater Manchester Police have launched a campaign to try and stop domestic abuse.

Greater Manchester Police is today (Monday 9 February) launching an awareness week to help stop the heartbreak for domestic abuse victims and their families this Valentine’s Day.

Statistics show that last year, there were around 6,772 domestic incidents across Rochdale, or 130 incidents a week and around 20 a day. 

“Thirteen people have actually lost their lives as a result of domestic-related incidents in the last 12 months," said Detective Superintendent Phil Owen of GMP’s Local Policing Improvement Branch. "As Valentine’s Day approaches, people are thinking about their relationship and so, we want to urge those suffering at the hands of abusive partners to report it now and get the help and support they need before it’s too late.

"Domestic abuse is not acceptable under any circumstances and victims need to come forward to report it to us not only for themselves but for the sake of their children.

“Victims will be supported from the initial report and throughout the whole process by trained and experienced specialist domestic abuse investigators, who are available across Greater Manchester.

“Futhermore, we can now act on information from family and friends and all evidence from the scene of an incident is fully recorded so that the prosecution does not rely solely on the victim’s evidence.”

To contact your local domestic abuse unit call the GMP switchboard on 0161 872 5050. In an emergency where there is an immediate threat to life or property, always call 999.

There are a number of other organisations supporting victims of domestic abuse.

The Coordinator of the Women’s Domestic Abuse Helpline said: “Any woman experiencing domestic abuse who wants to talk through her situation or wants to know what options are available to her can contact the helpline on 0161 636 7525.”

People can also contact the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, if they suspect a family member, friend or neighbour is suffering from domestic abuse.