New Sussex domestic abuse campaign

Following on from a successful campaign involving the Metropolitan police in London, the charity has created an innovative campaign designed to reach out to friends, neighbours and colleagues of victims of domestic abuse to encourage these third parties to contact Crimestoppers anonymously if they suspect domestic abuse is occurring.

The campaign will consist of radio appeals and promotional storyboards highlighting anonymous third party reporting.

Kathy Burke, Sussex Crimestoppers’ chairman, said: “On Valentine’s Day we normally think about our loved ones. This year we are asking you to think about those people, men and women, who are physically and mentally abused by someone they love and trust, something which is hard for most people to imagine. We also need to consider the impact of domestic abuse on the children living within these families.

“Domestic abuse is one of the most harrowing crimes and these perpetrators must be brought to justice. If you know of anyone that is being abused or you know who the perpetrator of the abuse is, please call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or give information on line at www.crimestoppers-uk.org, to pass on any information you may have.”

Trish Harrison, domestic and sexual violence manager for West Sussex County Council said: “People who experience domestic abuse tell us they want the public to feel empowered to take action on their behalf and report incidents of domestic abuse. Now through Crimestoppers, the public will have the option of doing this anonymously.”

Deputy Chief Constable Giles York of Sussex Police, said: “Sussex Police is committed to working with our partners to build a framework of trust for victims of domestic abuse, where those abused can feel safe, supported and empowered to make significant, and often life-changing decisions. No one agency can achieve that in isolation, we all must work together, sharing information to maximise the chances of success. This new collaboration with Crimestoppers goes to the heart of that, and provides a means where everyone can contribute, even anonymously, to keep those more vulnerable people in our communities safe.”

If you have information on domestic abuse, you can help bring offenders to justice, and safety to the victim, by calling Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or giving information on line at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

Domestic violence accounts for 35 per cent of all murders.