Commissioner’s pledge over domestic abuse rise

Police and Crime Commissioner David Keane has vowed to do all he can to support victims of domestic abuse in Cheshire after cases have doubled since the start of the pandemic.

Statistics released by charity My CWA (Cheshire Without Abuse), which has been commissioned by the Commissioner to provide domestic abuse support, revealed the number of victims it is supporting – which includes both adults and children – doubled from 200 pre-Covid to 400 today.

He recently met with the charity to see the impact the increased demand in having on the support they provide.

Also worrying is the severity of cases, with around 40 per cent being deemed high risk, meaning there is serious risk of harm or death. In the last quarter alone they have seen two suicides and 13 attempts on life - with two of those coming in just the last week.

Tackling domestic abuse is one of the Commissioner’s main priorities. In April last year, David and Cheshire Police chief constable Darren Martland launched a campaign to encourage those suffering from domestic abuse to seek support during the Coronavirus crisis.

This was following a rise in cases as a result of victims being trapped in their homes with their abusers in the first national lockdown.

Then in November, David secured Home Office funding for a scheme which works to try and change the behaviour of perpetrators to reduce further incidents of abuse.

He is also working with support services, like My CWA, to apply for further government funding to address the increased demands as a result of Covid-19.

David said: “There have been many tragedies throughout this pandemic and one has undoubtedly been the rise in domestic abuse.

“Domestic abuse can effect anyone in our communities, irrespective of their gender, age, sexual orientation or any other personal characteristic.

“Home should be a safe place, especially when it’s where we’re encouraged to stay in order to protect our health and that of our loved ones, family, friends and neighbours.

“But tragically for many people, home is not a safe place.

“We cannot, and must not, stand for this as a society.

“Working with partners, I am doing all I can to help ensure people in this situation get the help they need.

“I’d also like to encourage anyone who is suffering in this way to please get in touch with support services - they are there to help.”

Depending on where they live, anyone who needs help or advice can contact their local domestic abuse support service on the relevant details below:

Cheshire East Domestic Abuse Hub – 0300 123 5101

Cheshire West and Chester: 0300 123 7047, option 2

Halton Domestic Abuse Forum: 0300 111 1247

Warrington Refuge - 01925 243359

They can also call Cheshire Police on 101 or the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247. In an emergency, where there is a threat to life or a crime is taking place, call 999.

There’s also advice and support available on https://www.openthedoorcheshire.org.uk/

Pictured - Screenshot of the PCC’s virtual meeting with the Chief Executive and Deputy Chief Executive of My CWA.