SEFTON has been chosen as one of the Government’s target areas to protect victims of domestic violence over Christmas .
The Home Office’s Domestic Violence Enforcement Campaign (DVEC) will run in 10 police force areas, alongside a series of television and poster adverts.
DVEC funding will allow Merseyside police to invest in body-worn video cameras, dedicated domestic abuse response vehicles, and more specialist advice for officers at scenes of domestic abuse.
The dreadful consequences of domestic violence were highlighted earlier this month when former firefighter Anthony De Asha, from Crosby, was jailed for murder after admitting stabbing his wife Joanne 17 times.
Speaking after the conviction, Det Chf Insp Nikki Holland said: “Domestic violence is a dreadful crime that claims the lives of 150 women a year nationally.
“We have specialist officers who work with victims of domestic violence and I would implore anyone who is suffering from this type of abuse to contact us. ”
Earlier this week officers from Sefton’s Family Crime Investigation Unit (FCIU), assisted by neighbourhood officers, arrested five men for a range of domestic violence offences.
Det Insp Pauline Trubshaw, said: “This arrest day reinforces the message from Merseyside Police that domestic violence will not be tolerated.
“There are many avenues of support available to people who may suffer at the hands of a violent or abusive partner or family member.
“I would urge anyone suffering from domestic violence to seek help from one of the many support agencies. Your call will treated in the strictest confidence.”
The nationwide advertising government campaign will feature a woman at a Christmas celebration with people singing “When we get behind closed doors” with the strap line “Don’t suffer in silence”.
After unveiling the campaign, Home Secretary Jacqui Smith announced she would launch a cross government consultation on violence against women in the New Year.
“For many, Christmas is a family time, but for some it is a time of fear, violence and isolation,” she said.
“I am determined to do all I can to protect women from becoming victims of these horrific crimes.”
She added: “Next year, I will be launching a consultation to find out what more we can do to improve the safety of women in their homes, at work, and in public.
“I want people to recognise that we all have a role to play in ending violence against women.”
DOMESTIC Violence Helpline numbers and support services: 999 in an emergency; Sefton Family Crime Investigation Unit, 0151 777 3087; Worst Kept Secret, 0800 028 3398; Victim Support, 0845 3030 900; VVAT 0151 934 5142;
SWACA 01704500647; National Domestic Violence Helpline 08082000247
laurasharpe
