26 November 2014 Suffolk urged to show its support for White Ribbon campaign If you hear it or if you see it, don’t ignore it; say no to domestic abuse. This is the message being delivered today across Suffolk supporting the White Ribbon Campaign 2014. Officially launched today by the Suffolk Domestic Abuse Partnership with guests including county councillors, University Campus Suffolk (UCS) and the fire service, the campaign is supporting the international day against violence to women. An emotive short film featuring a domestic scenario and motivational monologue has been produced by third year BA (Hons) Film students at UCS. The film features Suffolk actors who donated their time; and messages of support from companies such as Live Well Suffolk, Trinity Park Events and Taipan Combat who do corporate self- defence classes; as well as partnership organisations including Realise Futures and UCS Ipswich. The motivational monologue is spoken by different, men and women, intercutting between each person saying a different part of the dialogue to form a continuous piece. People across Suffolk are being urged to stand up and be counted by sharing the campaign video on social media and making their voice heard by pledging that they won’t ignore domestic abuse with a hashtag of #Makeyourvoicecount. In Suffolk, over the last 12 months, more than 8,000 domestic abuse incidents have been reported. A rise of nearly 1000 cases from last year’s campaign. Statistics from Suffolk Police show that domestic violence is mostly committed by men, with approximately 77% of all incidents reported by women. Tim Passmore, Police and Crime Commissioner for Suffolk said: “Since becoming PCC, I have spent time talking and listening to those who support people affected by domestic abuse and I have been utterly shocked by the extent of the problem. “Domestic abuse is an appalling crime; it ruins the lives of victims and has a devastating impact on their families, often children are involved and can be severely traumatised with the effects stay with them for life. “It is sadly all too apparent that one of the difficulties we have, from the victim’s point of view, is the lack of courage to report; this has got to change. “I am very proud to support the White Ribbon campaign and I’d ask everyone to join me in not condoning this dreadful crime. I urge you – if you see or hear it, don’t ignore it.” Detective Superintendent Dave Cutler, Suffolk Constabulary, said: “Suffolk Constabulary is committed to taking positive action to tackle domestic abuse. This abuse takes many different forms and effects individuals from every walk of life and every community. “The strength in Suffolk in tackling this abuse is strong partnership working that focuses on each victim who needs help and support. We would encourage anyone who is being abused to come and speak to us and let us help them, we know this can be really difficult decision to make but we have specialist staff who can and will assist and a whole range of support to suit each individual.” Councillor Colin Spence, Suffolk County Council’s cabinet member for public protection said: “Most men are not violent towards women, but many of us ignore the problem, or see it as something which doesn’t have anything to do with us. That is not the case, as all of us have friends who could be potential victims, and all of us know people who could be potential abusers.” “Men and women should be empowered to discuss the issues of violence or abuse and we must show that this is not just one gender’s issue. We can make a stand to show that gender-based violence is unacceptable. We must do this together; as men, as women, and as a county. “It can be hard for people to tell others about the physical and emotional abuse they are suffering but we want victims of domestic violence to know that there is help out there for them, when they are ready to take that step. I am proud to support the White Ribbon campaign and I urge you – if you see or hear it, don’t ignore it.” The White Ribbon campaign aims to promote how victims can access guidance and help, and raise awareness of all aspects of domestic abuse. Councillor Jenny Antill, Chair of the Suffolk Domestic Abuse Partnership said; “I see the effects of violence against women in my work as Chair of the Domestic Abuse Partnership. It’s an issue which affects us all, men and women, as individuals, in our communities, and for society as a whole. I understand how difficult it is for a woman who is abused to seek help. Being abused is usually not just a single action against a woman from an abusive man, but rather a result of several factors, combining together into a web, where women get trapped.” “Not everyone has the courage to report to the police but the campaign message to all people in Suffolk is – don’t suffer alone, get help by talking to one of our partner agencies or even your neighbour.” Anybody who is experiencing any form of domestic violence or who is concerned about a friend or family member can contact the National Domestic Violence Freephone 24hr helpline on 0808 2000 247 or visit www.suffolk.gov.uk/domesticabuse. Further details about campaign activities can be seen at www.suffolk.gov.uk/whiteribbon