Our latest campaign, against all forms of domestic abuse

As we launch a comprehensive campaign encouraging people to speak up about domestic abuse, our Chief Executive Mark Hallas suggests that lockdown restrictions easing shouldn’t mean we think the issue has gone away…

Our charity believes that everyone has the right to feel safe from crime, none more so than when you are in the sanctuary of your own home. But for 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men, at some point during their lifetime, they will experience violence and abuse at home. And that abuse can sometimes be fatal.

Those who experience or witness domestic abuse – including children – are left to deal with emotional and physical scars that affect their wellbeing and ability to reach their full potential.
   

Challenging times

Yes, relationships can be challenging. Modern life can be precarious and stressful, especially during a global pandemic. But for some, they are unable to admit that they have crossed the line. Abuse in the family home is all too common.

There was a time when culturally it was tolerated and believed not to be 'other people’s' business, but `What happens behind closed doors, should stay behind closed doors’ was the attitude of yesteryear.  

Thankfully, times have changed. We no longer accept it’s OK for a partner to be violent or controlling, and the shift in attitudes is progress of sorts. However, we all have so much more to do.
 

Lockdown spike

Crimestoppers, along with the National Domestic Abuse Helpline (Refuge), witnessed a worrying 49% rise in reports during lockdown as the pressure of isolating in a violent household increased due to the requirement to stay at home.

Too often, the nature of domestic abuse is effectively hidden, with perpetrators controlling their partner emotionally, financially or by using physical violence. But because it happens behind closed doors, it’s more difficult to identify.

That’s why bystanders with suspicions, such as neighbours, family or colleagues, are key to ensuring help is given to victims.
 

Working together

Crimestoppers is working with the Home Office, Refuge (who run the National Domestic Violence Helpline), the new Domestic Abuse Commissioner Nicole Jacobs, EIDA (Employers’ Initiative on Domestic Abuse), Respect Phoneline (who help perpetrators who want to change), and other specialist organisations to call on everyone to realise that if you suspect domestic abuse, #Youarenotalone.

Indeed, with our charity’s 100% cast-iron guarantee of anonymity, you can speak up without fear of consequences, awkwardness or at worst, revenge.
 

Make contact

Our Contact Centre staff hear heartbreaking stories every day from people who are doing the right thing and telling us their crime concerns. The old adage of `it’s nothing to do with me’ is clearly waning.

People who may be embarrassed to get involved are showing in increasing numbers that they understand they do have options - that their information can get help to victims and stop domestic abuse.
 

And with children so often involved, isn’t it better to be safe than sorry?