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Will people be covering up this summer?
Posted on 17/07/2007
P. Klein
Asking Leicestershire residents if they will be covering up this summer is the focus of a new domestic violence campaign encouraging people to speak out.
Starting today, the County Council, in conjunction with local councils, is distributing posters and postcards in Loughborough and across the rest of Leicestershire to raise awareness of this issue.
Domestic violence affects one in four women and one in six men in their lifetime and at least 750,000 children each year in England and Wales witness it.
For those experiencing domestic violence it may feel as though there is nowhere to go and know one to turn to but this is not the case. Across Leicestershire there are confidential numbers and websites offering emotional and practical support.
Jane from Melton was a victim of domestic violence for eight years, before managing to summon the courage to get help and said: "I dont really like going out much and I still have flashbacks. But the support I have received is helping and I have been starting to feel better about things. It took a great deal of courage to speak out about what happened, but I had to tell someone and now I am glad I did.
"If you are a victim of domestic violence then you dont have to suffer in silence, you can seek help. I know it is hard but I suffered for eight years and it is such a relief when you finally get help.
Byron Rhodes, the County Councils Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said: "Summertime should be a happy time but for many residents in Leicestershire it is a time to dread. The warm temperatures, increased alcohol consumption and school holidays can all escalate domestic violence at this time of year. This campaign aims to encourage victims and perpetrators not to cover up this damaging crime but to come forward and get help this summer."
Contacts for help:Womens Aid Federation of England
Offers support, advice and information on all aspects of domestic violence.
Website: www.womensaid.org.uk
English domestic violence helpline
Helpline: 0808 200 0247
Email: info@womensaid.org.uk
Scottish domestic violence helpline
Helpline: 0800 027 1234
Website: www.scottishwomensaid.org.uk
Wales domestic abuse helpline
Helpline: 0808 801 0800
Website: www.walesdomesticabusehelpline.org
Northern Ireland domestic violence helpline
Helpline: 0800 917 1414
Website: www.niwaf.org
Irish Womens Aid
Helpline: 1800 341 900
Website: www.womensaid.ie
Refuge
Offers emergency accommodation and support for women and children experiencing domestic violence.
Helpline: 0808 200 0247
Website: www.refuge.org.uk
Rights of Women
Works to attain justice and equality by informing, educating and empowering women about their legal rights.
Legal helpline: 020 7251 6577
Sexual violence helpline: 020 7251 8887
Website: www.rightsofwomen.org.uk
London Lesbian and Gay Switchboard
24-hour information, support and referral service for lesbians and gay men.
Helpline: 020 7837 7324
Website: www.llgs.org.uk
Broken Rainbow
Telephone helpline for lesbians, gay men and bisexual or transgendered people experiencing domestic violence. Its staffed by workers from these communities.
Helpline: 0845 260 4460
Website: www.broken-rainbow.org.uk
MALE advice and inquiry line
Helpline: 0808 801 0327
Website: www.mensadviceline.org.uk
ManKind
ManKind helps and advises male victims of domestic violence.
Helpline: 0870 794 4124
Website: www.mankind.org.uk
Mankind UK
A support service for men who have been sexually abused, sexually assaulted and/or raped.
Helpline: 01273 510 447
Email: enquiries@mankinduk.co.uk
Website: www.mankinduk.co.uk
Miscarriage Association
Helpline: 01924 200 799
Scottish helpline: 01313 348 883
Email: info@miscarriageassociation.org.uk
Website: www.miscarriageassociation.org.uk
Samaritans
24-hour confidential emotional support for anyone in a crisis.
Helpline: 08457 909 090
Ireland helpline: 1850 609 090
Website: www.samaritans.org.uk
Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme
You may be able to claim compensation through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme. To apply, you must no longer be living with your partner.
Helpline: 0800 358 3601
Website: www.cica.gov.uk
Womankind
A global campaign to ensure womens rights are recognised worldwide.
Website: www.womankind.org.uk
Action on Elder Abuse
UK helpline: 0808 808 8141
Ireland: 1800 940 010
Website: www.elderabuse.org.uk
Further Information
Domestic violence is a very damaging and under reported crime which affects people of all ages, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, class, disability or location.
Domestic violence includes many types of abuse including physical, emotional, sexual, psychological and financial which can be perpetrated by partners, same sex partners, family members or carers in an existing or past relationship.
Jane, who is from Melton, was a victim of domestic violence for eight years, before managing to summon the courage to get help. She is now looking forward to happier times ahead.
"Having someone to turn to was so useful, it was so helpful to have a person to listen to me," Jane said.
"When I was offered support it gave me a chance to talk about things and provided me with some emotional help. Before I received support I felt really low and as if nobody cared. There was no one there to see the tears and the bruises. It was a terrible time and I just wanted to move on with my life."
Jane realised she had to escape her troubled relationship, for her own sake, and also that of her children. She was relocated to a new property which, coupled with the support she was receiving, helped her rebuild her life.
She does, however, acknowledge that there are still hurdles she needs to try and overcome.
"I dont really like going out much and I still have flashbacks. But the support I have received is helping and I have been starting to feel better about things. It took a great deal of courage to speak out about what happened, but I had to tell someone and now I am glad I did."
Jane explained how her self-esteem is improving and that she would urge anyone being abused to seek help.
"If you are a victim of domestic violence then you dont have to suffer in silence, you can seek help. I know it is hard but I suffered for eight years and it is such a relief when you finally get help."