Victims urged to seek help and put a stop to domestic abuse

Campaign to stop the heartbreak for domestic abuse victims

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With New Year’s Day approaching, Greater Manchester Police is urging domestic abuse victims to start 2011 by reporting it and seeking the help and support they need to leave their abusive relationship.

On New Year’s Day 2010, GMP recorded its highest number of domestic abuse incidents for the year, with 131 reported on this day.

“Over Christmas and particularly on New Year’s Day, we historically see an increase in the number of domestic abuse incidents reported to us and we’re expecting to see a rise again this year,” said ACC Terry Sweeney, GMP’s lead on Domestic Abuse.

“This is due to heightened family tensions, unrealistic expectations and worries about finances, which when fuelled by excessive drinking, can lead to an increase in the number and severity of attacks. The fact that such a high number are reported on New Year’s Day indicates that victims wait until the festivities are over and decide to make a fresh start in the
new year by reporting the abuse.”

In readiness for the spike on New Year’s Day, extra officers will be on hand to attend domestic abuse incidents and specialist domestic abuse investigators will be available to provide advice and support to officers.

In some areas, officers have also been visiting households most affected by domestic abuse, to reassure victims that help is there should they want it. They have also been checking that any bail conditions or curfews are being complied with, and providing information leaflets on support for offenders should they wish to change their behaviour.

ACC Terry Sweeney continued: “Domestic abuse is not acceptable at any time of year and along with the ten local authorities, Greater Manchester Domestic Abuse Helpline and Public Health Network, we want to urge victims not to suffer in silence but to come forward and report it now and get the help they need.

“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.

“I would also encourage any friends, family members or neighbours to phone the police if they hear or witness an incident or believe someone they know is suffering. Finally, I want to send a clear message to offenders that if they choose to become violent or abusive then we will arrest them and ensure that they are brought to justice. Our priority is to protect victims.”

Independent Choices who run the Greater Manchester Domestic Abuse Helpline is opening for extra hours over the Christmas and New Year period, Sam Priestley, Chief Officer said: "No one should have to suffer domestic abuse in silence. Our message is seek help, and the earlier the better, even if it is just to find out your options, local support is available. If you are a victim of domestic abuse or know someone who is then call the Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0161 636 7525.”

For more information about those services available to help stop domestic abuse, people can visit the Greater Manchester domestic abuse partnership website: www.endthefear.co.uk.

Those responsible can also get help to stop by contacting the Respect Phoneline: 0845 122 8609.