POLICE in the borough have been given extra cash to help cut domestic violence over Christmas and New Year.
Cheshire Constabulary’s Western Area, which includes Ellesmere Port & Neston, is one of eight force areas in the North West receiving the additional £9,000 of Government money to dedicate to the seasonal campaign.
Domestic violence accounts for 15% of all violent crime nationally and amounts to 31% of all violence against women and 5% of all violence against men.
Because families are in closer proximity, cases usually rise at this time of year.
This new campaign aims to increase the level of crimes reported by supporting victims and encouraging them to come forward and reduce the level of repeat offending by bringing more offenders to justice.
Among the measures police will be taking are:
Specialised training for call handlers and the use of police call recordings in evidence
Rapid response to domestic violence calls through a specific response car crewed by staff with specialist training
Use of evidence gathering packs, digital imaging and video recording at the scene of an incident, to enable prosecutions where the victim is reluctant to attend court
Intelligence-led action through identification and targeting of high-risk domestic violence suspects, including follow-up visits to check bail and Anti-social Behaviour Order conditions
Effective use of risk identification, assessment and management tools and techniques;
Local statutory and voluntary groups meeting to discuss how they can support the top 10 most vulnerable victims
Assistance to local voluntary groups to provide support to vulnerable victims of domestic abuse.
Announcing the extra cash, Home Office Minister Vernon Coaker said: “Christmas for most is a time of fun and family. However, for some, the emotional strain of the season can contribute to a rise in domestic violence.
“Police tell us there are about a third more incidents of domestic violence related assault recorded on Christmas Day than the daily average.
“We are committed to doing all we can to help tackle this hidden violence. That is why I am today pleased to announce funding totalling £450,000 towards a new domestic violence enforcement campaign.
“Working with police, charities and communities, I hope we see an increase in people coming forward, more support for victims and a rise in the number of offenders being brought to justice.”
If you are a survivor of, or have witnessed, domestic abuse, contact Cheshire Police on 0845 458 0000 or ring CrimeStoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
