Tackling domestic abuse

A MULTI agency approach is helping to tackle domestic abuse.

Staff from the council, Warrington Fire Station, Cheshire Police, Warrington Magistrates’ Court, Primary Care Trust, hospital Golden Gates Housing Staff have all shown their support for Warrington’s Action Against Domestic Abuse and Gender Violence Campaign by proudly wearing white ribbons.

The 16 day campaign which ran from the 25 November to 10 December highlighted the importance of tackling the issues about domestic abuse in the borough.

Fact: 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men are affected by domestic abuse and every minute in the UK, police receive a call from some-one reporting domestic violence.

Fact: A new Warrington Domestic Abuse Forum Structure (WDAF) has been established to ensure that agencies are widely represented at all levels and work in partnership to identify, protect and support anybody that is suffering from domestic abuse.

Primarily aimed at men, the White Ribbon Campaign encourages them to pledge that they will never commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women.

However, WDAF invited both men and women to wear the ribbon which is about challenging the acceptability of domestic abuse, helping all victims to break the silence, speaking out about what is often still a taboo subject and encouraging a united front against violence and abuse in the home.

Cheshire and Merseyside Fire Service is proud to be supporting this important campaign and realises the significance of working with partners to challenge domestic abuse in Warrington.

WDAF will also work to increase awareness of the many forms of domestic abuse and how it affects the lives of individuals, families and children – and to continue to raise the profile of the issue on the political agenda.

Rachel Zammit, domestic violence co-ordinator, says:  “Domestic abuse is everyone's business and wearing a white ribbon demonstrates this.

“Warrington agencies are united in their determination to tackle the issue. The campaign is not only an opportunity to recognise and reflect upon that but to also acknowledge how much still needs to be done to make sure that domestic abuse is not something that is quietly endured or ignored.”

Help is always available. If you would are experiencing domestic abuse and would like to talk to some-one in confidence, you can phone Warrington Domestic Abuse Support Worker – 01925 418 430, Victim Support – 0151 495 3528 or the national 24hr helpline – 0808 2000 247.

Ends

Issued by:  Joanna Driscoll, Principal Communications Officer
Date:   Monday 17 December, 2007
Release: Immediate