Police support ‘NO MORE SILENCE’ domestic abuse campaign

Northamptonshire Police is supporting the ‘No More Week’ domestic abuse campaign which runs annually during the first week of March.

The aim of the global initiative is to raise awareness about domestic abuse and sexual violence, urging everyone to take action against these widespread issues. The theme for this year is ‘NO MORE SILENCE’.

Northamptonshire Police is using the campaign as an opportunity to urge victims/survivors to speak up and report incidents of domestic abuse or sexual assault. The Force wants to encourage them to reach out for help so that action can be taken to help safeguard and support them and bring the offenders to justice.

Detective Inspector Nina Agg from the Force’s Domestic Abuse Investigation Unit said: “Sadly these crimes are all too common – and we know that for many, these incidents are hidden, they are not being reported, and people are suffering in silence. Victims should know that they are not to blame for what’s happening to them. It’s never their fault.

“No-one should have the fear of abuse or violence hanging over them. We recognise that it can be hard reporting incidents of this nature to the police, and it may not always be safe to do so, but there are organisations that you can access regardless of whether you’ve reported the crime to the police or not. They can support you and give you the space to explore your options.”

There are a number of free and confidential services available to victims/survivors across the county including Voice, who can be contacted 0300 303 1965. For information, help and advice go to:

• Support organisations for victims of domestic violence | Northamptonshire Police
• Support after rape and sexual assault | Northamptonshire Police

If you do want to report incidents to the police you can do this by calling 101 or 999 if you are in immediate danger – you can also report online through the links below, alternatively to can report anonymously via Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.

• Report domestic abuse | Northamptonshire Police
• Report rape, sexual assault and other sexual offences | Northamptonshire Police

If you are concerned that a current or ex-partner may be a risk to you there is a Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS) application called Clare’s Law that enables the police to release information about any previous history of violence or abuse a person might have.

Under Clare's Law you can:

• apply for information about your current or ex-partner because you're worried they may have a history of abuse and are a risk to you.
• request information about the current or ex-partner of a friend or relative because you're worried they might be at risk.
• Request information under Clare's Law: Make a Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS) application | Northamptonshire Police