Safer Cornwall will be supporting Domestic Abuse Awareness Week by holding a number of public events throughout the county from Monday 21 to Friday 25 November.
The week will be a celebration of the effective partnership working between the public, private and voluntary sector organisations across Cornwall, the primary aim of which is to continually improve community safety across the county.
Safer Cornwall partners will be providing information to the public on the range of services they offer and how they can support individuals who may know of someone experiencing domestic abuse or those who are experiencing it themselves.
Michelle Davies, Strategy Lead for Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence said “Last year approximately 8500 domestic abuse incidents were reported to the police in Cornwall. In addition, during the same period, the specialist domestic abuse and sexual violence services have received over 6300 referrals from individuals wanting support and advice. Domestic abuse is often described as a ‘hidden crime’ or happening ‘behind closed doors’; we want those impacted to come forward, from behind those doors and to access the support available. National Domestic Abuse Awareness Week is an opportunity for all services to highlight the wide range of fantastic support that is on offer and stand side-by-side to show our commitment to a zero tolerance of domestic abuse and sexual violence in Cornwall.”
This year Safer Cornwall’s focus for Domestic Abuse Awareness week is people aged 60+. Older people experiencing domestic abuse can face particular barriers to accessing appropriate support services and so it is important to raise awareness of the specific needs of such victims.
The launch of Domestic Abuse Awareness week will be at Tolvaddon Community Fire Station on Monday 21 November and is open to the public. A highlight of the morning will be The Upbeat Dreamers, an over-60s choir from Newquay Age UK day centre, setting off the week with upbeat singing open to all to attend.
Other events that are open to the public all week are:
- Tuesday 22 November - multi-agency attendance giving information, advice and support in the Trelawney Wing entrance and coffee shop at Royal Cornwall Hospital Trust (Treliske) from 10am to 4pm
- Wednesday 23 November - multi-agency attendance giving information, advice and support at Falmouth Age UK Day Centre from 9am to 12 noon
- Thursday 24 November - multi-agency attendance giving information, advice and support at Newquay Age UK Day Centre from 9am to 1pm
- Friday 25 November - multi-agency attendance giving information, advice and support at St John’s Hall, Penzance from 10am to 1pm.
Devon and Cornwall Police will be launching their White Ribbon campaign at the start of the morning to coincide with national White Ribbon day which is on 25 November. It will also be International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.
Geoff Brown, Cornwall Council Portfolio Holder for Communities said “Domestic Abuse is a blight on the lives of some families and violent actions can have repercussions not just for the victim but also the wider family unit. Tackling this criminal act and offering vital support to those affected is a key priority for our Community Safety team, the Police and the Police and Crime Commissioner.”
Paul Walker Chief Fire Officer and Chair of Safer Cornwall said “Across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, we believe that addressing domestic abuse and sexual violence is essential to creating safer, resilient and healthier communities. We recognise that the impact of abuse is widespread; affecting victims, their families and children and also the wider community.
Raising awareness of the widespread impact of abuse as well as increasing knowledge of the available services to provide advice, support and help is an important and valued area of work for our Service and partners. My thanks to all involved in Domestic Abuse Awareness Week.”
For more information on Domestic Abuse please visit www.safercornwall.co.uk
Life without domestic abuse is within REACH
For support or advice contact REACH (Risk Evaluation and Coordination Hub) 0300 777 4 777