Partners sign up to tackle scourge of domestic abuse

Police and council chiefs have signed a hard-hitting pledge to tackle the scourge of domestic violence.

This marks the launch of Bury’s new Domestic Abuse Strategy, with partners committed to improved victim support and drastically reducing the number of incidents through early intervention.

The declaration was signed today (Friday 2 October) at Bury Town Hall by Councillor Mike Connolly, leader of Bury Council; Jim Battle, Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for Greater Manchester; and Superintendent Karan Lee of Greater Manchester Police.

Cllr Connolly said: “Domestic abuse is a scandal and a national disgrace. It is one of the most persistent violations of human rights, yet one of the least prosecuted crimes, and can have terrible long-term effects on survivors.

“This strategy sets out a robust framework for real change. We believe it will successfully challenge abuse and help our residents to lead safe, happy and healthy lives."

Cllr Tamoor Tariq, lead member for domestic violence and abuse for the Greater Manchester Police and Crime Steering Group, added: “There were 3,980 incidents reported in Bury last year, which shows how widespread and serious this issue is. This strategy builds on the good work already done and recognises that more needs to be done to strengthen the support given to victims and families at an earlier stage.Our aim is to reduce repeat incidents, divert people away from the risk of harm and break the cycle of violence before it ends up with crisis intervention.”

Recent initiatives include an IDVA service established to support high risk victims, and a new initiative called Operation Strive – where police and partners engage with first-time victims – has been so successful in Bury it is now being extended across Greater Manchester. The division has successfully engaged with third sector agencies to help those with underlying issues such as family mediation and alcohol issues.

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Jim Battle said: “I’m proud to join Councillor Mike Connolly and Superintendent Karan Lee to reaffirm our promise to take a stand against domestic abuse.

“Bury is already at the forefront of bringing together agencies, including the police, council, health, with voluntary and community organisations to tackle this issue.

“Today is about marking how far we have come in targeting perpetrators, giving people the confidence to speak out and make sure they have the support they need to rebuild their lives. Vitally it’s a promise to survivors of abuse, and the public of Bury, that this work will not stop.”

Superintendent Karan Lee from GMP’s Bury Division said: “We recognise that there are an increased number of people who are victims of domestic abuse which is why we have developed new practices to support victims and their families. Any new reports made by people be it a victim or third party member is welcomed by us because it means we are able to do more to support and protect them and stop further incidents from happening.”

If you or anyone you know is affected by domestic abuse, please contact the following for help and advice:

• Domestic Abuse Helpline (Greater Manchester) 0161 636 7525
• Men’s Advice Line 0808 8010327
• National Domestic Abuse Helpline (24 hours) 0808 2000247 or 999 in an emergency

For more information, go to www.endthefear.co.uk.

ENDS

Press release issued: 2 October 2015.

Picture: Tackling domestic violence are (from left) Cllr Tamoor Tariq, Inspector Karan Lee, Cllr Mike Connolly, and Jim Battle.