Domestic Abuse Awareness Week starts on Monday
“Alcohol is no excuse” is the theme of Domestic Abuse Awareness Week in Devon and Cornwall which runs from Monday 19th – Sunday 25th November 2012.
This year’s domestic abuse awareness week will coincide with alcohol awareness week for the first time and will focus on how alcohol can be a contributory factor in cases of domestic abuse, as well as highlighting the support available in Devon and Cornwall.
Research carried out by Devon and Cornwall Police in 2010 found that 56% of domestic abuse offences involved alcohol and/or drugs. During 2011-12 police responded to over 25,000 incidents of domestic violence and abuse across Devon and Cornwall.
Commenting on the latest statistics Detective Chief Inspector of the Public Protection Unit, Mike West from Devon and Cornwall Police said: “Domestic abuse is an extremely serious issue and no-one should have to put up with abuse in any form”.
With such a significant number of domestic abuse offences involving alcohol, it is crucial to raise awareness of this serious issue and that help is available from the Police and partner agencies”.
The campaign is jointly run by Devon’s domestic abuse partnership adva,(against domestic abuse and violence in Devon) alongside Devon and Cornwall Police, to encourage those at risk – or their friends, family or colleagues - to notice the warning signs of domestic abuse, particularly where alcohol is an aggravating factor.
Rachel Martin, Manager for adva, which is led by Devon County Council, said: “We need to be very clear about this campaign’s message: alcohol misuse does not cause domestic abuse. It is a myth that violence only occurs because of alcohol. Perpetrators of domestic violence are abusive with and without it. ”
According to Women’s Aid, the national domestic violence charity, alcohol does not directly cause abuse but there is evidence that where domestic violence exists alcohol is often present. Alcohol is also used by victims as a coping strategy, with women experiencing domestic violence being up to fifteen times more likely to misuse alcohol than women generally.
Councillor Debo Sellis, Devon County Council Lead for Domestic Abuse Services said: “Devon County Council takes a strong stance on both these issues – domestic abuse and alcohol misuse. We are committed to working in partnership with our colleagues including the Police, the NHS, and the specialist voluntary sector, to ensure the public have the right services available to them when they need them”.
Addaction, who provide a gateway to alcohol treatment services across Devon and Cornwall are also supporting this year’s campaign. Addaction Manager for South Devon, Sarah Mitchell said: “Addaction – Devon Alcohol Service offers a free confidential and non-judgemental service to anyone over the age of 18 who feel their alcohol use is becoming a problem.
“The first step on the road to recovery is to ask for help – the services we offer include one-to-one counselling, group work programmes, family support, relapse prevention and referral to other support and specialist services”.
Help and support
· 24-hour National Domestic Violence Free phone Helpline - 0808 2000 247
· Devon Alcohol Service referral line: 0845 130 2605
· Information, advice and helpline numbers are available on the adva website www.adva.org.uk
· Devon and Cornwall Police offer help, support and advice 24 hours a day:
- In an emergency call 999
- For non-emergencies call 101, email: 101@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk or visit www.devon-cornwall.police.uk
