19/08/2015

New Domestic Violence Campaign Launched

A new campaign has been launched targeting domestic abuse, encouraging victims to not suffer in silence and report incidents.

Cumbria Police have launched the 'Do the Right Thing' campaign to address a noted rise in the number of domestic abuse incidents.

Police said that in the last four years they have received 2,530 reports of domestic abuse. This has increased from 548 incidents in August 2011 to 648 incidents in August 2014.

Temporary Detective Inspector Ralph Henderson said: "There is a perception that domestic abuse is violence, but it is not just physical. Domestic abuse can be emotional, verbal, financial or harassing behaviour. It affects not only partners but everyone within the family.

"Domestic abuse is under-reported, but every year we are seeing more people having the confidence to pick up the phone and report abusive incidents. Cumbria Constabulary have experienced and specially trained officers who will deal with any report in a sensitive and professional manner.

"Police work with partner agencies all year round to support families who live in fear and to encourage them to make contact. There are a number of ways in which victims can get help, for example through agencies such as Let Go and Safe lives.

"I would like to speak directly to those who are victims of abuse to come forward and report it, don't suffer in silence, help and support is available. Nobody deserves to be subjected to abusive behaviour, it is never the victim's fault.

Anyone who would like to report domestic abuse should call Cumbria Police on 101, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

(MH)

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