Crimestoppers to run domestic abuse project thanks to a grant from PCC

Crimestoppers will be campaigning to tackle domestic abuse in the county this year after receiving a grant for £15,782 from the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Safer Suffolk Fund.

Abuse can be physical, psychological, sexual, emotional or financial and will it affect one in four women, as well as one in six men, in their lifetime.

Alarmingly, the average victim will endure up to 35 assaults before speaking out. Without help the situation can become worse over time and can even result in death.

In many causes, neighbours, friends and even family may suspect the offence is taking place but they’re reluctant to get involved.

Crimestoppers hopes to break the cycle by encouraging more people to contact them anonymously through the 0800 555 111 number or the Anonymous Online Form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Throughout the year the charity will campaign to raise awareness of the issue and promote its anonymous reporting service.

Antonia Litten, Regional Manager for Crimestoppers in Suffolk, said: “Domestic abuse is a serious crime but it remains largely hidden behind closed doors, leaving the victims trapped, powerless and isolated.

“We want more people to speak out if they know someone is being abused. We know it’s not always an easy thing to do but Crimestoppers offers the public the chance to give information anonymously. We don’t take personal details and we don’t record calls. We can’t trace calls or information given online. Those who contact us don’t have to give a statement to police or go to court.

“Thanks to vital funding from the PCC we can really focus on tackling the issue of domestic abuse – raising awareness of the issue and encouraging more people to contact us with information.”

The majority of the funding for this project comes from the PCC’s Safer Suffolk Fund, which is managed by the Suffolk Community Foundation.

Tim Passmore, Police and Crime Commissioner for Suffolk, added: “I am delighted to support Crimestoppers in their campaign to tackle domestic abuse.

“Domestic abuse is an appalling and at times brutal crime and is never acceptable in any circumstance.

“Since being elected as Suffolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner, I have placed great emphasis on the need to keep victims at the heart of our services. This is especially relevant to dealing with domestic abuse; it is an integral part of my Police and Crime Plan and one of our top priorities.

“Over the past three years I have seen just how huge an issue domestic abuse is in the county and how important it is to make sure the victims of this crime are properly supported. It is a sad reflection on our society that domestic abuse and domestic violence is so prevalent; it ruins the lives of victims and has a devastating impact on their families, particularly as children suffer the consequences as well.”