Valentine's Day Help For Victims Of Domestic Abuse
13 February 2012
February 14 will be the most romantic date on the calendar for
most people but for some it is just another day of living in fear
of violence and abuse from a partner or ex-partner.
Tackling domestic
abuse is one of the main priorities of the SaferPeterborough
partnership and more cases of violence and abuse are reported
after Valentine's Day.
Domestic abuse consists of any threatening behaviour, violence
or abuse, whether physical, sexual, financial or emotional, between
current or past intimate partners or family members.
It is not only a problem of men’s violence towards women.
Domestic abuse also occurs where women are the perpetrators and it
can happen in same sex relationships too. One in six men will
experience domestic abuse in their lifetime.
Karen Kibblewhite, SaferPeterborough Manager - Cutting Crime,
said: "Domestic abuse is a crime and it should not be tolerated. By
raising awareness of it during celebrated occasions like
Valentine’s Day, we can remind victims that they should not suffer
in silence.
"Healthy relationships are based on equality and respect for one
another other. If anyone has concerns about their partner's
behaviour towards them, or thinks someone they know is a victim of
domestic abuse, our message is they should not feel alone and there
is help and support available.
"Domestic abuse is not always reported because couples view it
as a private matter and tend to think of it as less serious than
other crimes, but every week in the UK two women die at the hands
of their current or former partner."
Peterborough Women’s Aid offers help to women who have
experienced or who are currently suffering domestic abuse. They can
be contacted on: 08454 103 123. Alternatively, the National
Domestic Violence Helpline is: 0808 2000 247.
Male victims of domestic abuse can get help and advice from
MALE (Men’s
Advice Line and Enquiries) on: 0808 801 0327. Lesbian, gay,
bisexual and transgender (LGBT) victims can get support from
Broken Rainbow on 08452 60
44 60. Anyone in immediate danger should always call the police on
999.
Ends.
Media contact: Pep Cipriano, SaferPeterborough Communications
Manager- telephone 01733 452551 or email pep.cipriano@peterborough.gov.uk
Notes for editors
1. SaferPeterborough is a partnership of
organisations that work together to reduce crime and anti-social
behaviour, to ensure that Peterborough is a place where people feel
safe. Its priorities cover serious acquisitive crime, anti-social
behaviour, domestic abuse, violent crime (including alcohol-related
crime and disorder), sexual offences, road safety, hate crime,
arson and substance misuse.
2. The partners include Peterborough City
Council, NHS Peterborough, Cambridgeshire Constabulary,
Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service, Cambridgeshire Police
Authority and Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Probation Trust.