Is alcohol the third person in your relationship? Rochdale says Hands Off!

Defender Tom Kennedy shows his support for the Hands Off! campaign by wearing a branded t-shirt

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Being drunk is responsible for the majority of domestic violence incidents. Rochdale Borough Council along with its partners in the police, NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale are launching the Hands Off! campaign as part of its a multi-agency commitment to reduce the impact of domestic violence within our communities.

Hands Off! wristbands have been created to gain support for victims which will soon be available to buy. All of the £1 purchase price of the wristbands will be donated to the Domestic Violence Forum, a registered charity in Rochdale, dedicated to providing help and support to victims of domestic abuse.

Players of Rochdale AFC showed their support for the new Hands Off! campaign by wearing t-shirts and wristbands during their warm-up for their home game against Chesterfield on Saturday (14 November). Fans at the game were also able to purchase the limited edition Hands Off! wristbands.

Kerry Reddy, Domestic Violence Interagency Co-ordinator said: “Alcohol can be an unwelcome addition in some people’s relationships. Alcohol fuelled aggression and violence can turn a petty argument nasty and victims often hear the excuse it was ‘just the beer talking’ as part of an abuser’s apology.

“We want people to support our new campaign and stand up against domestic abuse. Our ‘Hands Off!’ campaign sends a clear message to abusers, that violence will not be tolerated, it empowers victims to report offences and offers them vital reassurance that agencies across the borough are committed to tackling this violent crime.”

One in four women is suspected of suffering domestic violence. There were 924 domestic abuse related crimes reported to the Rochdale Division of Greater Manchester Police between 1 November 2008 and 1 November 2009. This included assaults, criminal damage, threats to kill and other related violence. Of these crimes 289 (31 per cent) were alcohol-related.

Inspector Meriel Buglass for the Public Protection Investigation Unit at Rochdale Division said: “We are committed to supporting victims and challenging offenders to ensure that the abuse stops. To do this we are working very closely with the Domestic Violence Forum and other agencies to ensure that an all round service is provided.

“The team has been using extra resources to patrol the Division with members of the Domestic Violence Forum to ensure that when a domestic abuse incident is reported to the police we not only stop the offender but offer immediate, practical and emotional support to the victim and family.”

If you don't want to contact the police or would prefer to speak to somebody else about the incident first, you can contact the Domestic Violence Forum on 01706 718923. The Domestic Violence Forum can provide you with free and confidential advice and support; help you to identify your options and make contact with other sources of help on your behalf if you wish them to.

Councillor Ted Flynn, cabinet member for Community Safety at Rochdale Borough Council added: “Domestic violence is a serious issue and we see it as really important to end abuse. The Hands Off! wristbands send out the message that there is something we can all do to help – which is to admit domestic violence is a problem, call it by its name and speak out about its impact.”