A NATIONAL campaign to end domestic violence, harassment and abuse has received a boost.
John Campion, West Mercia police and crime commissioner, has lent his support to White Ribbon Day, which will be held on Sunday, November 25 followed by 16 days of campaigning.
He said: "Inflicting any kind of harm, be it emotional, physical or psychological, is simply not acceptable, and it is a priority for me as commissioner, the police service and the services I have invested in, to do all we can to tackle this."
Mr Campion and his community ambassadors are attending events in support of this, and helping to promote Clare’s Law, a scheme which gives people a formal way to apply for a police check into the past of a person where there is a concern that a relationship may be, or may become abusive.
Tackling domestic abuse is a key priority for the commissioner and West Mercia Police, who dealt with nearly 13,000 domestic abuse incidents in the last year, making up 15 per cent of total crime.
The commissioner is committed to ensuring West Mercia Police have the resources have to tackle these effectively, while ensuring victim survivors get the specialist support they need.
He has invested in a number of initiatives and organisations who deliver this in communities across West Mercia, including the drive programme which aims to disrupt and change perpetrator behaviour.
Mr Campion added: "This is a complex issue, which needs a multi-faceted approach, ensuring victim survivors are put first, the police have the understanding and resources to address it effectively, we are targeting the issue at the root by disrupting and changing behaviour, and raising awareness through important campaigns like White Ribbon.”
People who have been subjected to domestic abuse can find support from the following services:
West Mercia Women’s Aid: Call 0800 980 3331 (Worcestershire), 0800 783 1359 (Herefordshire, Shropshire and Telford) or visit westmerciawomensaid.org
Victim Support: Call 0808 168 9111 or visit victimsupport.org.uk
West Mercia Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre: Call 01905 724514 (Worcestershire) or 01432 344777 (Herefordshire) or visit wmrsasc.org.uk
AXIS counselling and psychotherapy: Call 01743 357777 (Shropshire) or 01952 278000 (Telford) or visit axiscounselling.org.uk
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