Cumbria Police are reaching out to victims of domestic abuse to encourage them to seek the help and support they need and to not suffer in silence.

As restrictions on social interaction and movement continue, those facing domestic abuse are permitted to leave their home to escape from abuse. No one should feel trapped in their home. 

Vital support services are available 24 hours-a-day, 365-days-a-year. The public are also reminded that support can be accessed regardless of whether a crime has been reported to the police or not.

Options to access support services include:

Reporting to police

If you have been the victim of domestic abuse, or are concerned for someone who is, you can report this in the safety of your local police station, online here or by calling 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency.

Victim Support

A victim can independently self-refer to Victim Support. Victim Support can refer an individual to a wealth of local and national support services. All support is available regardless of if a crime has been reported to police or not.

Victim Support can be contacted on their telephone support line, by calling 0300 303 0157 or through a Livechat service on their website www.victimsupport.org.uk.

Online

For an online directory of independent support services visit the Cumbria Together website: www.cumbriatogether.com.

What is domestic abuse

There are five areas which domestic abuse is categorised into:

1)            Controlling behaviour, where a perpetrator controls areas of the victim’s life. This can include, controlling who the victim meets or speaks to, what they access on social media, what they wear and monitoring a person’s movements.

2)            Coercive behaviour, where the victim is forced to do things against their will, or they are constantly shouted at, ridiculed, deliberately frightened, threatened or made to feel like they have to walk on eggshells all the time.

3)            Financial abuse, where the perpetrator controls the victim’s finances or restricts what money they can access for themselves or others. This is also a form of controlling behaviour.

4)            Psychological abuse, where a perpetrator destroys the confidence, outlook or mind set of the victim.

5)            Physical abuse.

 

The Constabulary host weekly domestic abuse surgeries on their Facebook page. The surgeries are supported by practitioners from a range of safeguarding agencies which provides the public access to various support services in one easily accessible place. The events are for anyone looking for information, support or advice (including victims, friends and family or perpetrators looking to stop offending). These events run on Wednesdays. For more details visit Facebook.com/cumbriapolice.  

On average, Cumbria Police deal with at least 17 incidents of domestic abuse everyday across the county. Almost half of these reports are from people who have experienced violence before.

Force lead for domestic abuse, Detective Chief Inspector James Yallop said:  

“The restrictions resulting from the current pandemic have led to many people being at home more. For some, that means that they are spending more time with an abuser.

“I want people to know, with confidence, they can leave their home to escape domestic abuse. Please do not suffer in silence or feel trapped.

“We want to encourage victims to report abuse to the police. Incidents will be investigated thoroughly and sensitively, and we will help people get the support they need. However, getting the right support is also vital for victims and their family”

“There is a whole wealth of support services available in Cumbria; everything from counselling to rehoming support in addition to many other services available nationally. Our officers can help you access these support services and we will support you throughout an investigation process.”

For more information on domestic abuse visit www.cumbria.police.uk/DomesticAbuse.