Our pledge to tackle domestic violence

Council and police leaders have joined forces to sign a pledge saying ‘no’ to domestic violence.

The move follows a motion which was carried by Bury Council in December. This committed the council to work with the Police and Crime Commissioner, Greater Manchester Police, the NHS, housing associations, other agencies and, most importantly, communities across Bury to make it clear that domestic abuse in all its forms is unacceptable.

The council also agreed to do all it could to encourage people to report domestic abuse to the police, and to improve and enhance services provided to victims of domestic abuse.

Councillor Sandra Walmsley, cabinet member for communities and community safety, said: “Domestic abuse affects every community in Bury; rich or poor, white or black, old or young, gay or straight. Domestic abuse isn’t just physical; many people experience emotional, psychological and financial turmoil at the hands of abusive partners or family members.

“It is estimated that one in four women will experience domestic abuse at some point in their life. It doesn’t just affect women; 17% of victims who report domestic abuse to police in Bury are men.”

Victims of domestic abuse can call the Domestic Violence Helpline on 0161 636 7525or log on to http://www.endthefear.co.uk/ 

Men who experience domestic abuse can call the Men’s Helpline on 0808 801 0327.

Tony Lloyd, Police and Crime Commissioner for Greater Manchester, said: “Domestic violence is something that affects us all. Last year, Greater Manchester Police dealt with more than 3,500 incidents of domestic abuse in Bury, but the reality is that it’s just the tip of the iceberg.

“The challenge for the police and other agencies is to ensure that people have the confidence to come forward and report it if they’re a victim, or if they suspect a friend or loved one is a suffering. That’s what makes this pledge by Bury Council so important, because it helps to build that confidence.”

ENDS

Press release issued: 20 February 2014.

Picture attached: Signing the domestic violence pledge are (front, from left) Tony Lloyd, Greater Manchester Police and Crime Commissioner, and Councillor Mike Connolly, leader of Bury Council. Behind are (from left) Chief Inspector Amber Whitwell; Cllr Tamoor Tariq, deputy cabinet member for communities and community safety; and Jaria Hussain-Lala, strategy co-ordinator (domestic violence) with Bury Council.