17/07/2015

New Domestic Abuse Campaign Calls On Family And Friends

Avon and Somerset Police have launched a new campaign to raise awareness of how to spot domestic violence and abuse calling on people to "not ignore a gut feeling that something may be wrong and to report their concerns".

The campaign has been launched in response to recent domestic homicide reviews which showed that victims weren't known to services, but their friends and family were aware that the abuse was happening.

It is hoped that by raising awareness of the signs to look out for, and the fact that abuse can be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers, more friends and family may feel able to speak up.

Chief Inspector Andy Bennett, force lead for domestic abuse, said: "Domestic abuse is an abhorrent crime in all its forms and we all have a responsibility to help tackle it. 


"Many people who've experienced domestic abuse say they didn't recognise they were in an abusive relationship until they were out of it. With this campaign, we hope to encourage everyone to recognise the signs of abuse and feel empowered to report it. 



"When police receive information about domestic abuse it's always treated extremely seriously.

"We'll do everything we can to ensure victims of domestic abuse get the support they need and we have a whole range of tools at our disposal to help us do this."



(MH)

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