Domestic Abuse Awareness Month

October marks Domestic Abuse Awareness Month, which aims to unite victims, charities, and organisations in raising awareness and encouraging conversations within communities. Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, John Dwyer says, "There is no place for domestic abuse in Cheshire."

The awareness month provides a crucial source of information and support for everyone who is affected by domestic abuse which, according to the charity ManKind Initiative, is one in four women and one in six men.

Domestic abuse can affect anyone, regardless of gender, sexuality, ethnicity, religion, or age. The Cheshire Police and Crime Plan,  includes the commissioner's priority of protecting vulnerable and at-risk people and those experiencing domestic abuse can be some of the most vulnerable in our society.

There are signs you can look out for to recognise domestic abuse. Does your partner, ex-partner, or someone you live with:

* Cut you off from family and friends and intentionally isolate you?
* Bully, threaten or control you?
* Take control of your finances?
* Monitor or limit your use of technology
* Physically and/or sexually abuse you?

Domestic abuse is not always physical violence, it can also include:
* Coercive control and 'gaslighting'
* Economic abuse
* Online abuse
* Threats and intimidation
* Emotional abuse
* Sexual abuse

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, John Dwyer said:
"We're serious about stamping out domestic abuse in Cheshire and I'm proud that there is a specialist court solely for dealing with domestic abuse cases, with a dedicated police officer based there. Within the court, any case where there is a charge for a domestic abuse offence will be heard and will remain there unless a trial is required. This provides consistency for cases, and for the victim.


"I have also funded specialist domestic abuse training for social care practitioners across Cheshire. The Safe and Together training scheme has a whole-family approach to addressing domestic abuse, by putting the children that are affected at the centre of the response.


"The model also enables practitioners to work with not only the victims, but the perpetrator too. I am committed to continuing this work with the Constabulary, charities, and victim support services to protect the residents of Cheshire from this abhorrent crime."

Several organisations across Cheshire and the UK provide support for those affected by domestic abuse. Visit the Victims Support page on the Police and Crime Commissioner's website:  www.cheshire-pcc.gov.uk/support-for-victims/ 

The National Domestic Abuse Helpline provides free and confidential advice, 24 hours a day on 0808 2000 247.

If you have any concerns regarding domestic abuse, you can report it to the police on 101 or 999 in an emergency. You can also report it online via the Cheshire Police website:  www.cheshire.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/

Alternatively, if you don't feel comfortable talking to police, advice is available on the Open the Door website:  http://www.openthedoorcheshire.org.uk