Shropshire domestic abuse victims urged to contact police

Sergeant Samantha Hammond, from the Domestic Abuse Unit at Shrewsbury police station, said: "If women are victims of domestic violence, they should not suffer in silence.

"The investigation of domestic abuse is a top priority for West Mercia Police. Victims can come to us in confidence knowing we will deal with their issues in a sensitive and positive manner".

Her plea is issued to coincide with the nationwide White Ribbon Campaign - Ending Male Violence Against Women, which runs from November 25 to December 10.

The White Ribbon is a symbol of hope for a world where women and girls can live free from the fear of violence. Wearing the ribbon is about challenging the acceptability of violence by getting men involved, helping women to break their silence and encouraging everyone to come together to end the violence.

Sergeant Hammond said: "Our message is quite simple - do not hold back. Women need not suffer abuse and we wont let you down. We have specially trained officers whose sole aim is to help by stopping the abuse and preventing it happening again."

She said the number of complaints about domestic abuse had increased in recent years - a clear indication that more people are gaining the confidence to contact the police for help.

So far this year, more than 1,700 domestic abuse incidents have been reported in Shropshire - about 100 up on the same period last year.

"We have worked really hard at encouraging victims to come forward. All the indications are that more and more women are seeking help from the police rather than suffering in silence," said Sergeant Hammond.

Every incident reported is brought to the attention of the Domestic Abuse Unit. "We will oversee and deal with the main investigation, completing a risk assessment on each case. Victims are phoning the unit and asking if they can talk to us about their situation. If abuse is involved, of whatever nature, we will listen and provide help."

She said there was a well-established system for helping victims, involving not only the police, but partner agencies such as social services, health and education
departments, the probation service, independent domestic violence advocates and support agencies such as Women's Aid, Relate and Victim Support.

High risk cases are considered by Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conferences (MARAC) where a panel of authorities produce a plan of action to stem the offences, support the victim and provide help for any children involved.

Sergeant Hammond said the scale of domestic abuse should not be under-estimated. "Nationally, one in four women experience abuse and two women are killed in the UK every week as a result of abuse.

"These are shocking statistics, and even more so when they reveal that 40 per cent of all murders are domestic abuse related. Furthermore, it takes on average 35 incidents before a woman reports abuse which is a frightening situation.

"The police will continue to encourage victims to come forward. Women do not need to continue suffering. They must speak up and we will support them," she added.

Anyone wishing to discuss domestic abuse or related matters, can contact the Domestic Abuse Unit at Shrewsbury police station by calling 101.

White ribbons will be available at all main police station front counters in Shropshire during the 16-day campaign.