The #NoExcuseForAbuse campaign, led by the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson and supported by the police, health, local authorities and domestic abuse specialist agencies, is aimed at providing those who are victims of domestic abuse with the right information on how to get help and end the abuse they are suffering.
Throughout the campaign, digital advertising will be on display at major supermarkets across the West Midlands, along with a social media campaign and new information about the services available to support victims of domestic abuse.
For more information, please visit No Excuse for Abuse. A national helpline is available on 0808 2000 247. In an emergency, always call 999. Local support is available from:
- The Haven Wolverhampton 08000 194 400, 24 hours. Online chat (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm), email info@havenrefuge.org.uk
- Victim Support West Midlands 0300 303 1977
- West Midlands Forced Marriage helpline 0800 953 9777, 24 hours
- St Georges Hub, support for male victims 01902 421904
- City of Wolverhampton Council Homeless Services 01902 554747
- City of Wolverhampton Council Adult Social Care 01902 551199
- City of Wolverhampton Council Children’s Social Care 01902 555392.
Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: "Domestic abuse has often been seen as a ‘hidden crime’, one which is under reported to the police and a lot more widespread than figures suggest.
"However, with the coronavirus outbreak and more people spending more time in their homes, calls around domestic abuse have fallen, raising concerns that there are many people suffering in silence. We wholeheartedly support this new campaign which aims to highlight that this kind of abuse is never acceptable and that help and support is available to those who are suffering."
Mr Jamieson said: “In these very difficult times it is vital that those that are suffering in their home know that help is out there.
“It can be very difficult to speak out and report domestic abuse and there are a wide range of services across the West Midlands who are on hand to speak to and help those who are victims.
“I want to make sure that those who are victims of domestic abuse have the right support they need and whilst the coronavirus presents challenges to us, these services are still very much available and there to help those in need.”
Maureen Connelly, Chair of the West Midlands Domestic Violence Consortium, said: "We recognise that the national lockdown is important to save lives. However, we need to remember that home is not a safe place for victims of domestic violence. We are asking everyone to look out for friends, family and neighbours and to report domestic abuse.
“Women and children should know that if they are uncomfortable or scared of someone they live with, that home does not feel safe, we are there for them.”
West Midlands Police are continuing to tackle domestic abuse with more than 400 people being arrested in recent weeks. Deputy Chief Constable Louisa Rolfe said: “At home shouldn’t mean at risk. If you or someone you know is suffering from domestic abuse, isolation rules do not apply – you can get away from the abusive relationship and leave home to find help.
“We are responding to reports of domestic abuse and have recently run a planned operation to arrest suspected offenders. Support services are there to help. Although people might feel isolated, they are not alone.”
The latest information and guidance around coronavirus is available at GOV.UK and on the council’s own coronavirus pages at Coronavirus advice and information. There’s lots of advice on how people can protect themselves and their families from coronavirus from the NHS at Advice for everyone – Coronavirus (COVID-19).
The council’s Stay Safe, Be Kind campaign offers clear and simple advice about how people can help themselves, and how they can support others who may be particularly vulnerable at this time. For more information, please visit Stay Safe, Be Kind.
