Message About Domestic Violence

Athletic back new Domestic Violence Campaign.

Monday 14 February 2011

This Valentine's Day, cupid's arrow has a very different target...
People across the borough are being asked to show they care by pledging their support of a major domestic abuse awareness campaign.
As part of the Greater Manchester-wide drive, a giant Valentine's Day card is being distributed around Wigan borough for people to sign.
And so far signatories include players from Wigan Athletic FC and Trevor and Sheila Fairhurst, whose daughter Carly tragically died five years ago at the hands of her abusive partner.
Featuring the poignant message love shouldn't hurt , the card will be signed by representatives from all the agencies whose job it is to tackle the causes and consequences of domestic abuse - including Wigan Council, Greater Manchester Police (GMP), Wigan and Leigh Primary Care Trust and other partners, voluntary groups and charities.

The Valentine's Day event is part of the ongoing End The Fear campaign, which highlights the issues around domestic abuse on specific dates on the calendar, when increased tensions between partners and families can potentially lead to an increase in the number and severity of incidents.

An electronic copy of Wigan's card, together with the cards from the other nine local authorities in Greater Manchester, will be uploaded onto GMP's End The Fear website, where people can also sign the on-line petition.

Throughout this period, more police officers will be available to attend incidents, and a specialist domestic violence investigator will be on hand to provide advice and support to officers.

In addition, police will attend those households in Wigan most affected by domestic abuse, to reassure victims that help is there should they want it. They will also ensure any bail conditions or curfews are being complied with, and provide information leaflets on support for offenders should they wish to change their behaviour.

Detective Inspector Amber Waywell of Wigan's Public Protection Investigation Unit says: "We are totally committed to tackling the problem of domestic abuse. There are now four full-time independent domestic abuse advisers to provide support to victims, as well as a specialist domestic abuse court which can fast-track cases.

"We also have a committed multi-agency group who discuss domestic abuse cases to ensure that all agencies are doing as much as possible to protect victims and families. This has resulted in us massively reducing the repeat victimisation rate in our most serious cases.

"Through our work we will continue to help victims to either leave violent relationships, live more safely within relationships or support the prosecution of offenders."

Cllr Susan Loudon, Wigan Council's cabinet champion for children and young people, says:

"Domestic abuse tears families apart, and children and young people can be emotionally and psychologically scarred for life. It's thought that children witness the abuse in 80% of cases. Those who are exposed to violent behaviour within the family can suffer low self-esteem, become low achievers and even go on to offend. Wigan Council wholeheartedly supports this campaign."

For more information about the services available to help stop domestic abuse, visit www.endthefear.co.uk or call the Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0161 636 7525.
Those responsible for abuse can also get help by contacting the Respect Phoneline on 0845 122 8609
Key National Statistics:

• • A victim can suffer from 35 attacks before the abuse is reported to the police.
  • In the UK on average 2 women per week are killed by a current or former male partner.
  • Domestic abuse accounts for 15 per cent of all violent incidents.
  • 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men will be a victim of domestic abuse in their lifetime with women at greater risk of repeat victimisation and serious injury
  • 89 per cent of those suffering 4 or more incidents are women.
  • One incident of domestic violence is reported to the police every minute.