Durham Police Urge Abuse Victims To Speak Out

4 December 2014, 17:55 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

Durham Police are urging victims of domestic abuse to come forward, with an increase in reported cases at this time of year.

As Christmas approaches, a range of agencies in County Durham including the Police, Public Health and local councils are launching a new campaign to raise awareness about domestic abuse.

 'Sorry's not enough - there is no excuse for abuse' campaign has been launched as Christmas approaches as in the past there has been increases in reporting at this time of year.

The campaign was developed as part of ongoing multiagency working and the Police and Crime Commissioner Ron Hogg's Regional violence against women and girls strategy.

As part of the campaign a dedicated website has been set up and posters will be appearing at key locations across the force area.  The posters will depict images of different victims in the hope of showing that this abuse really can affect anyone.   

Promotional items like pens and notepads have also been produced with the campaign branding.  

Ron Hogg, Police and Crime Commissioner said
"As well as raising awareness, the aim of the campaign is to encourage victims to get the help they need and to warn abusers that domestic abuse will not be tolerated." 

"I can't stress enough that tackling domestic abuse is everyone's business." 

"There were 14,500 domestic abuse calls made to us last year, which is about 40 calls every day."

"Domestic abuse accounts for 8% of all crime in County Durham and Darlington and 40% of violent crime reported to us was domestic abuse." 

"This is staggering, and although Durham was only one of a few forces that received a positive inspection from HMIC around how we work with a range of agencies to investigate domestic abuse we are determined to continue to work hard together to eradicate domestic abuse across Durham and Darlington."

Lucy Hovvels, Cabinet Member chairs the Multiagency Group who tackle Domestic Abuse in County Durham and holds the Portfolio for Healthy, Safer Communities said:
"Whether it's happening to you, a friend, a colleague or a member of your family we want you to take action." 

"This campaign is ultimately a call for action to ask everyone to play their part in tackling this crime by ensuring they are aware of it.  As a society we should not tolerate this type of criminality and be committed to working together to tackle it."
 
More information about the campaign can be found on www.sorrysnotenough.co.uk