Christmas Campaign to Prevent Domestic Abuse

The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) for Humberside has launched a media campaign, running across Christmas and New Year, aimed at preventing domestic abuse. The messages have been developed with professionals working in support services and target those who commit abuse to encourage them to face up to the damage caused by their actions and seek help to change, in addition to supporting those affected by abusive behaviour.

Elements of the campaign include notices on buses, outdoor posters, radio advertisements and social media posts. Two websites have been set up to provide information on services available and how to get help. They are:

www.youarenotalone.online – help for people affected by domestic abuse 

www.helptostop.online – getting help to change your abusive behaviour

Statistics show that for the past three years, East Yorkshire and Northern Lincolnshire have been in the top six police force areas for reports of Domestic Abuse and reporting is always high during the Christmas and New Year period. Urban areas including Hull, Grimsby, Scunthorpe and Bridlington account for 86% of recorded offences.

Police and Crime Commissioner Jonathan Evison said: “Domestic Abuse affects people from all sectors of society, there is no one common factor that makes people commit violence and abuse against their partner but all abuse damages lives. It also affects any children in a relationship and, for those involved, it becomes a vicious cycle which is hard to break free from. In previous campaigns my office has concentrated solely on the help available to those people affected by abuse, but this year I also wanted to focus more closely on those who commit abusive behaviour.

“The majority of perpetrators are men, and we need to break that cycle, to get them to think about the damage their behaviour causes, to face up to the fact that they need help to change and seek help to stop. It’s okay to ask for help, it is a decision that shows real strength is controlling yourself, not your partner, and taking that first step is the right thing to do for everyone involved.

“Once again we are also highlighting the local support services available for anyone affected by abusive behaviour and I hope this will help them to escape the cycle of abuse and find a better life. Help is out there, you are not alone.”