Violence Against Women and Girls is focus for sixth week of action

This is the sixth week of 12 weeks of action, aligned to Northamptonshire Police’s #Matters of Priority. The emphasis for the next seven days is on Violence Against Women and Girls.

The week of surge activity is being led by Detective Chief Inspector Michelle Douglas, with a focus on domestic violence, to ensure victims are fully aware of the help available to them. 

DCI Douglas said: “Domestic abuse can happen to anyone — regardless of age, background, gender identity, sex, religion, sexual orientation or ethnicity. However, statistics show most domestic abuse is carried out by men and experienced by women. In the last 12 months the Force recorded over 14,000 domestic abuse incidents - 72% of these incidents were perpetrated against women.

“Domestic abuse should not be tolerated; people should be able to live their life free of violence, intimidation and fear. We actively encourage everyone affected by domestic abuse to report it to us so that we can protect you and help you to access support.

“Domestic abuse should not be overlooked, denied or excused. It is a crime. It should not be hidden. It is not an individual but a social problem. We all need to speak out against it. There is only one person to blame for abuse — and that is the abuser.

“During this week of activity, I want people to know that help is available. Whether you’re the abused or a concerned friend or family member, come forward – if we don’t know we about it, we can’t help.”

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse please get in touch – report online, on 101 or call 999 in an emergency. If you are not ready to talk to the police there are other organisations that can support you. More information here.

During the week of activity, the Force will be sharing details and videos about the different kinds of support available to victims and where to access it, as well as details of community schemes that help people find safe spaces.

Information will also be provided about the Domestic Violence Disclosure scheme, also known as Clare’s Law, which is for anyone who wants to find out if someone they are in a relationship with has a record of abusive offences, or suggest a risk of violence or abuse.

During the week, a series of short video snippets will be shared on social media detailing the experience of a domestic abuse survivor, who encourages others to seek help. 

The Emergency Service Cadets will be out and about across the county delivering leaflets and engaging with communities.

Information about different types of domestic abuse will also be explained to help people recognise if they are in an abusive relationship. 

• Psychological/emotional abuse
• Economic abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Coercive control
• Physical abuse
• Tech abuse

DCI Douglas added: “As well as providing information to victims, we will be actively pursuing perpetrators and using all the tools we have available to us, including protection orders to help safeguard and protect victims from further abuse. In addition, while perpetrators are in our custody, we will be providing a helpline number to those who want to change their abusive behaviour.”

Northamptonshire Police’s four matters of priority are violence against women and girls, drug harm, serious and organised crime, and serious violence.