Victims of domestic abuse urged not to suffer in silence by North Wales Police

Victims of domestic abuse are being reminded that North Wales Police officers are on hand to help them, and will deal robustly with perpetrators regardless of the coronavirus lockdown.

Although there is an expectation that domestic violence will rise as the pressures imposed on relationships mount, police are concerned that the reporting of such incidents is falling.

The force said this could be because victims do not have the chance or confidence to report as they are spending so much time with their abuser.

As part of an on-going effort to reassure victims, police are aiming to distribute cards and leaflets to supermarkets and food banks for them to be included in online and click and collect orders.

It is hoped it will highlight helplines and information on how to get support.

Anyone who would like to help victims to get this important information is asked to contact their local neighbourhood policing team.

Leaflet drops will also be carried out to let the public know about the pro-active steps being taken.

PC Mike Taggart, Strategic Domestic Abuse Officer, said: “This is a difficult and stressful time for everyone, especially for victims of domestic abuse, who are forced to spend more time with their abusers.

“There is never an excuse for domestic abuse of any kind; whether it’s violence or controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour.

“Our message to victims is clear. Don’t suffer in silence. We are here for you and our specially trained officers will support you throughout and deal firmly with offenders.

“If you are being told that police won’t be able to, or are too busy to support you, this is not true, we are here for you as we have always been.

“Our message to abusers is also clear. We will not tolerate domestic abuse and we will take appropriate action, we are still operating as normal, we will respond to calls of domestic abuse and we will still enter your property if required.

“Covid-19 will not deter us from protecting victims of domestic abuse.

“If you are concerned about your behaviour, there are also agencies that can help you to overcome this.

“There are a wide range of bodies that can offer advice and support and I would encourage anyone concerned with this issue to consult professionals.

“In an emergency we would ask victims to use the Silent Solution- when calling 999 you can press 55 when prompted to alert the call handler that you are in a genuine emergency.

Below is a link to the North Wales Police website and a list of agencies which offer support and advice .

https://www.north-wales.police.uk/advice-and-support/stay-safe/domestic-abuse

• Action on Elder Abuse (AEA) UK Helpline: 080 8808 8141 (freephone) Website: www.elderabuse.org.uk
• Age Cymru Advice  Free and confidential information and advice on matters affecting the over 50s in Wales. Tel: 08000 223 444 E-mail: advice@agecymru.org.uk
• Alzheimer’s Society National Dementia Helpline: 0300 222 1122 Website: www.alzheimers.org.uk
• Care & Repair Cymru – Care & Repair Cymru are a national charitable body that aims to ensure older people have homes that are safe, secure and appropriate to their needs. They can assist people who are owner occupiers or living in privaterented housing. There is a network of local Care & Repair Agencies across Wales. Call your local agency on: 0300 111 3333 Website: www.careandrepair.org.uk
• Citizens Advice Bureaus (CABs) –National network of free advice centres offering confidential and independent advice, face to face or by telephone. Tel: 03444 77 20 20 Details of your nearest CAB can be found at: www.citizensadvice.org.uk
• Live Fear Free Helpline – A free helpline offering advice and support to those affected by violence against women, domestic abuse, or sexual violence against men and women. Tel: 0808 8010 800 (lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and the call will not show on your bill) Website: https://livefearfree.gov.wales/ There is also a live chat option on the website, if this is safer for you.
• Men’s Advice Line – A confidential helpline for men experiencing domestic violence and abuse. Tel: 0808 801 0327 Website: www.mensadviceline.org.uk
• Protect – Protect (previously called Public Concern at Work) is an independent whistleblowing charity. They aim to protect society by encouraging people to whistleblow about serious wrongdoing in the workplace. Advice Line: 020 3117 2520  Website: www.pcaw.org.uk
• Samaritans –The Samaritans service provides emotional support for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which may lead to suicide. Confidential Samaritans Helpline: 116 123
• Concerned about your own or someone else’s behaviour? If you – or someone you know – are abusive or violent towards a partner or family member you can get confidential help and support by calling 0808 802 4040 or emailing info@respectphoneline.org.uk.