‘End the Fear’ this Christmas

Kerry Reddy, Manager at Rochdale’s Omega Women’s Centre, extinguishes one candle that represents a domestic abuse victim this Christmas

The number of domestic abuse cases reported to Greater Manchester Police is expected to peak at Christmas time.  Historically the festive period sees more calls than any other time of year with the highest number of cases reported on New Year's Day.

Last year police attended more than 1130 incidents of domestic abuse in December. In January 2010 there were almost 1200 cases reported with 119 on New Year's Day. In Rochdale, 11 domestic abuse crimes were reported on last New Year’s.

But help is at hand, a new campaign has launched across Greater Manchester to encourage victims and perpetrators to seek help.

Rochdale Borough Council joins joined nine other Greater Manchester local authorities, the police, the public health network, domestic abuse helpline and voluntary organisations for the second time - this time to support the ‘End the Fear’ Christmas campaign.

During the summer, agencies across Greater Manchester first came together to work on a campaign encouraging reports of domestic abuse during the World Cup. The campaign, which was launched by Rowetta of Happy Mondays and X Factor fame, was such a success that the organisations have come together again.

This time the 'End the Fear ' campaign hopes to extend a listening ear to all the potential victims and perpetrators across Rochdale borough this Christmas.

Detective Sergeant, Lindsay Wallbank from the Domestic Abuse Unit in Rochdale Division, said: “Unfortunately, at this time of year, we do tend to see an increase in the number of domestic abuse crimes reported to us.  This is due to people drinking large amounts of alcohol along with the financial stresses and the fact families are spending more time together.

“Specially trained domestic abuse officers are in place to support them throughout the process and there is also a wide variety of other organisations out there that can offer support and advice.  

“Furthermore, I would ask friends, family and neighbours to phone the police if they hear or witness and incident or believe someone they know is suffering.  You could help make a family have a much happier Christmas by breaking the chain and putting a stop to domestic abuse before it goes too far.”

Dale Mulgrew, cabinet member responsible for community safety at Rochdale Borough Council, said: "Through this campaign I hope more families come forward and seek help before they reach crisis point. Domestic abuse is unacceptable at any time of year but Christmas memories can be ruined forever when alcohol fuelled aggression turns a petty argument into something nastier.”

Kerry Reddy, Manager at Rochdale’s Omega Women’s Centre, added: “We offer free, confidential advice and support to women who’ve suffered or are at risk of suffering any form of verbal, physical or mental abuse at the hands of a loved one. Please don’t suffer in silence this Christmas, pick up the phone and discuss the options available to you. Nationally one in four women will be a victim of domestic abuse.”

For more information about the services available to help stop domestic abuse, visit: www.endthefear.co.uk.  Those responsible can also get help to stop by contacting the Respect phoneline: 0845 122 8609.