Bristol tackles domestic violence
Young people in Bristol are being targeted in a new campaign to stop domestic violence.
Statistically, the summer months show an increase in domestic violence. In Bristol, 26 per cent of women will be victims of domestic violence during their life time. Across the UK, one in four women will suffer abuse at the hands of a partner or ex-partner and on average, two women are killed every week in domestic violence incidents.
Last year the National Domestic Violence Helpline which is run in partnership between Women’s Aid and Refuge, received more than 137,000 calls relating to domestic violence situations.
Despite these sorry statistics, The British Crime Survey found there was a 64 per cent decline in domestic violence across the UK between 1997 and 2008/9.
Safer Bristol has launched a summer campaign to raise awareness of the extent of domestic violence and to show the warning signs for potential victims.
Safer Bristol Domestic Abuse Strategy Co-ordinator, Lesley Welch said: “Many people think that domestic violence and abuse will never happen to them. This campaign will make them think again. We want people in unhealthy relationships to have all the information they need to make informed choices and the contact details of help groups should they need to talk to someone.”
The campaign is being targeted at 16 to 25 year olds to help them think about what a healthy relationship is and how to protect themselves and others from domestic violence.
Funded by NHS Bristol and co-ordinated by North Bristol Domestic Abuse Forum, temporary tattoos with slogans such as Freedom Not Domination, No Excuses, Say No To Control, and Equal Love will be available free to anyone visiting the NHS Bristol stall at the Bristol Festival in September.
Amy Campbell from NHS Bristol said: “The warning signs of domestic abuse can start very early in a relationship when people are dating. It is hard to talk about it but there are some great organisations in Bristol who will listen and help people get information on choices available. Nobody should have to live with feeling scared, being put down and made to feel useless. This is the message we are trying to communicate through our summer campaign to raise awareness of the issue.”
From next month, victims of domestic violence will benefit from changes in the law when courts will have more freedom to grant restraining orders when abusers appear before them. Currently, courts can only issue a restraining order for either harassment or putting someone in fear of violence.
New rules coming means that an order can be made following a conviction for any offence, even where someone is acquitted. Breaking a restraining order is a criminal offence punishable by up to five years in prison. The changes come with the publication of the National Domestic Violence Delivery Plan 2008/9.
Home Office Minister, Lord West said:”Domestic violence is a devastating crime which impacts across all communities.
“We continue to make good progress in tackling this hateful crime and conviction rates are improving – 72 per cent of cases charged and brought to court at the end of 2008/09 resulted in a conviction compared with 60 per cent four years ago.
“The additional powers announced today will also help victims in need of immediate protection and spare them the need to take separate civil action.
“But there is still more to be done and I look forward to the launch of the cross-government Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy in November and further measures to help victims and prevent violence.”