Cambridgeshire police launch domestic abuse awareness campaign

Cambridgeshire Constabulary is launching a month-long domestic abuse awareness campaign starting on November 2.

The campaign will highlight the signs of domestic abuse and encourage reporting. Each week will explore a separate theme.

The theme for week one is: ‘Know the Signs’. The physical signs of domestic abuse are often clear to see, however non-physical abuse, which includes controlling and coercive behaviour, can be harder to spot.

Week two aims to encourage people to ‘Break the Cycle’ of domestic abuse and ‘Take the First Step’ towards receiving help and support.

This strand of the campaign will be targeted at both those experiencing domestic abuse and perpetrators. It will also aim to encourage third party reporting, as evidence of this nature now plays a major part in the Crown Prosecution Service’s decision making process for prosecutions.

Week three of the campaign will highlight the multi-agency approach taken to tackling domestic abuse, focusing on how Cambridgeshire Constabulary works with partner agencies to help and support those experiencing domestic abuse and bring perpetrators of domestic abuse to justice.

The final week of the campaign will focus on Clare’s Law - the Home Office domestic violence disclosure scheme.

Clare’s Law is named after Clare Wood who was murdered in 2009 by her ex-boyfriend who had a history of violence against women. Individuals can make inquiries about either their partner’s past, or as a third party who’s concerned about someone they know who might be at risk of harm.

Detective Inspector Chris O’Brien said: “Cambridgeshire Constabulary, in conjunction with partner agencies, is absolutely committed to tackling domestic abuse and providing support to victims and perpetrators.

“The first week of the campaign highlights that domestic abuse is not confined to physical assaults – often there is a significant amount of psychological and emotional abuse that, whilst may not leave visible injuries, is none the less despicable.

“We are aware that abuse often takes place behind closed doors. I want the campaign to get people talking about domestic abuse. Often, family or friends do not feel it is their place to intervene, talk to people about their relationships, or report abuse to authorities.

“Think about the signs of domestic abuse in the context of your family, friends or work colleagues. My message is that we can help and we want to help. Domestic abuse will never be acceptable.”