Police: Abuse can be emotional, physical and financial

Devon and Cornwall Police are launching a social media campaign this week to help change perceptions about reporting domestic abuse as part of the national ACPO In Focus Domestic Abuse Week (4–8 March 2014).

The campaign, which comprises of tweets and facebook messages, aims to reach as many people as possible across Devon and Cornwall.  The messages will remind people that abuse can be emotional, physical and financial and will challenge some of the misconceptions about domestic abuse as well as providing help, support and advice for victims.

In Devon and Cornwall there were 29,055 reported crimes and incidents of abuse from January to December 2013, however the true number of abusive incidents could be much higher as many are not reported or recognised as abuse.

The social media campaign will use facebook and twitter to inform and provoke discussion about domestic abuse. Join in the debate by liking the Is this love? Facebook page

Detective Chief Inspector John Trott from Devon and Cornwall Police said: “Domestic abuse takes many forms - physical, emotional and financial and these abusive forms may happen in isolation of each other or together.

“Some people may suffer years of emotional or financial abuse without identifying themselves as a victim because there have been no physical incidents.  This abuse can be just as devastating as physical violence and shouldn’t be seen as trivial.

“It is extremely important we encourage anyone suffering any form of abuse to seek help and support.”

Devon and Cornwall Police Crime Commissioner Tony Hogg said: “Tackling domestic abuse is a major priority.  Since being elected as Police and Crime Commissioner I have encouraged more reporting of these incidents and I welcome an environment where people are much more willing to do so.  This is a complex area and I appreciate the good work that has already been done in this regard.

“We know that domestic abuse can take many different forms, and it is vitally important that, whatever the circumstances, anyone affected by this can feel confident to come forward.  Anything we can do to spread this message has to be a good thing.”

For help, support and advice call Devon and Cornwall Police on 101 or visit www.devonandcornwall.police.uk

Alternatively call the 24-hour National Domestic Violence Freephone Helpline on 0808 2000 247.