Police launch campaign to tackle domestic violence in county

The first 24 hours after the lockdown ended in June saw an increase of 76% on the previous average, and cases have been up around 10% per day since then.

The force has today started 16 days of action to make sure key messages about abuse are getting out.

It has teamed up with partners including Lincolnshire County Council, and health and domestic abuse support services for the campaign, which runs alongside the international UN Women 16 days of activism.

A spokesperson for the force said the annual campaign had perhaps never been so important.

“Lockdown has presented challenges to those facing abuse, in some cases trapping someone with their abuser and cutting off their support network,” they said.

“However, coming out of lockdown sadly does not signal freedom from abuse. The lifting of restrictions can be a trigger for abuse when the abuser loses the control they have had over their victim.

“In Lincolnshire incident reports increased by 76% in the 24 hours following the end of the first lockdown with 60 reports in a single day.”

During the first lockdown, Lincolnshire recorded on average 34 domestic abuse reports in a single day.

In the first 24 hours from lockdown ending, it saw an increase of 26 domestic abuse reports, totalling 60 reports in a single day.

During July, August and September the force received, on average, 38 domestic reports a day, 4 above the daily lockdown average, the spokesperson said.

“There are vital messages that people need to know and this campaign is about joining forces to get these messages across. The information could be a lifeline to someone enduring abuse,” they added.

The key messages are

· Highlighting that health and abuse support services are open.

· Police are there for you and their powers to deal with domestic abuse are not affected by lockdown.

· They can explain the signs of abuse, coercion and control.

· The force will also raise awareness of stalking and harassment and what to do if you are experiencing this invasive and terrifying crime.

· Promoting “safe spaces” available in participating pharmacies where there will be a phone line and support in a secure environment.

· Addressing perpetrators and urging them to seek help to change their behaviour.

· Promoting the “silent solution” for when people call 999 but speaking would put you in danger.

The force will also be launching a video with EDAN Lincs which officers will be using to urge those enduring abuse to get help.

And the force is urging anyone worried about their own behaviour to seek help.

The spokesperson said: “There is no excuse for abuse. If you are worried about your behaviour, get help.”

They can call the Respect helpline on 0808 802 4040 or use the webchat on the Respect website, or use the Lincolnshire Make a Change service – contact 01522 246616 or email: [email protected]

“At home shouldn’t mean at risk. There is no excuse for abuse. If you are worried about your behaviour, get help,” the spokesperson said.

· If you are a child or young and domestic abuse is happening in your home or relationship, Childline is available on 0800 1111.

· The Men’s Advice Line is for male victims of domestic abuse and can be reached on 0808 8010327.

· Safe spaces are available in UK pharmacies including Boots, Superdrug, Morrisons and many independent pharmacies. Go to the healthcare counter and ask to use the safe space where you can access support.