MY team and I are committed to reducing crime and holding those who commit crime responsible. We continue to be able to do this because of your support and engagement.
The community intelligence we regularly receive never ceases to amaze me. Please keep the information coming into your local Safer Neighbourhood Team or contact West Mercia Police through our website.
Alternatively, you can report anonymously through Crimestoppers (https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/pre-form).
I have spoken before about one of my key priorities – tackling domestic abuse.
Often the abuse happens in front of children and generational damage is caused.
Abuse is not always physical but can also be emotional or financial.
Domestic abuse stems from coercive control and victims can feel trapped.
From April to the end of June 2023, we recorded 1,539 domestic abuse incidents and crimes.
While this number has reduced by eight per cent overall compared to the same time last year, one crime is one too many.
Domestic abuse often goes unseen – it is all too frequent and a societal problem that we cannot arrest our way out of.
I urge you to stop and ask yourself – “why is a child drinking or taking drugs in the park?” or “why are they hanging around on a street corner at night?”
The root causes are often more complex, with perhaps vulnerabilities and exposure to domestic abuse in their homes as the starting point.
There is an absolute commitment, across policing and partners to tackle domestic abuse. Under my own command I have dedicated Detectives who investigate many of these crimes.
My Patrol Response Officers work 24/7 and will respond when called. We are supported by the Local Authority, Health, Education, and other statutory organisations to do so.
In addition, wonderful charities and bodies exist in the voluntary sector who are there to help, perhaps when victims are reluctant to contact the police.
We work closely with schools to support children, who are now recognised as victims in the Domestic Abuse Act.
We recognise not all victims wish to proceed down the criminal justice route.
To safeguard victims, we can and do pursue civil orders (such as Stalking Prevention Orders and Domestic Violence Protection Orders).
These restrict or prohibit behaviours, and a breach of the order is a criminal offence.
The orders help victims get the time and space they need, whilst also affording perpetrators the opportunity to reflect and address their own behaviour.
So why am I raising this with you? There are things we can all do to reduce harm caused by this crime.
We need your support. Look out for your neighbours, friends, family and ask why someone is withdrawing from social events or a friendship.To be clear I’m not asking anyone to replace what we the police do, but to think about how you can help.
My ask is to act if you think something is not right.
You can help by sharing concerns with the police, raising awareness and signposting someone to available support.
Together we can make a difference to address the harm domestic abuse causes.
North Worcestershire LPA Commander, Superintendent Mel Paley
Please see below for a list of helpful numbers and websites · West Mercia Women’s Aid (24 hour helpline) 0800 980 3331 www.westmerciawomensaid.org · www.gov.uk/guidance/domestic-abuse-how-to-get-help#get-help-and-support
· Freephone 24-hour National Domestic Abuse helpline – 0808 2000 247
· Age UK – an organisation that supports older people and victims of elder abuse. They can be contacted on 0800 678 1602. They are open from 8am to 7pm, 365 days a year.
· Ask for ANI – a codeword scheme for victims to access support from the safety of their local pharmacy. Their contact number is 0191 287 7028. They are open from 8:45am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday.
· Dogs Trust Freedom Project – a specialist dog fostering service for victims fleeing domestic abuse. Their contact number is 020 7837 0006 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm).
· Galop – a specialist organisation and LGBT anti-violence charity offering support to LGBT victims. Their Domestic Abuse Helpline is 0800 999 5428.
· Imkaan – a women’s organisation providing dedicated support for black and minority ethnic women. Their contact number is 44 20 7842 8525, open Monday to Friday from 10am to 5pm.
· Karma Nirvana HBA helpline – a specialist organisation supporting victims of ‘honour’-based abuse and forced marriage. Their helpline is 0800 599 9247 and is open 9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday
· ManKind Initiative – a specialist organisation supporting male victims of domestic abuse and their children. Please call 01823 334244 to speak to them confidentially, open at weekdays from 10am to 4pm.
· Men’s Advice Line – 0808 801 0327 open Monday to Friday 9am-8pm or email [email protected]
· National Stalking helpline – 0808 802 0300 9.30am to 4pm Monday to Friday.
· Revenge Porn helpline – open between 10am and 4pm, Monday to Friday. 0345 600 0459 or [email protected].
· Stay Safe East – a specialist organisation providing support for disabled and Deaf victims of domestic abuse. Telephone or SMS/Text: 07865 340 122.
