16 days of action – Police

Lincolnshire Police say…

The 16 days of action campaign statrts 25 November.

Our aim is to demonstrate what we are doing to tackle domestic abuse and violence against women and girls and and raise awareness of the support available. We will be joining our partners, including the Lincolnshire Domestic Abuse Specialist Service (LDASS), to engage our communities and show that domestic abuse is a priority for us and is at the heart of what we do.

Force lead for domestic abuse, Detective Chief Inspector Rachael Cox said, “Through this campaign, we are seeking to build trust and confidence and encourage victims to seek help and support. We will be highlighting key messages in relation to domestic abuse and promoting the services of those who can help. We want to dispel the myths and uncertainty that can be barriers to people getting the support they need. We will do this using the voice of a victim, showing her journey from victim, to survivor, to thriver. Alongside this, through our people profiles, we will introduce you to support staff, officers and partners who will help you if you are enduring abuse.

“Although this is a 16 day campaign, our work is of course 24/7, throughout the year, but this is an opportunity to focus on what we do, making sure everyone is aware of the initiatives and good work both within our force and within partner organisations.”  

We will be using the 16 days of action campaign to highlight:  

• The vital importance, and the effectiveness of Domestic Violence Protection Orders and Notices.
• The voice of a victim showing her journey from victim, to survivor, to thriver.
• People profiles to shine a light on the work we, and partners, do to tackle domestic abuse and help victims. 

DCI Rachael Cox continued, “We will be engaging directly with our communities and using a big screen van at key locations to highlight the issue and signpost to support. Alongside this engagement, we will also be targeting the perpetrators of domestic abuse and reporting back on the actions we have taken to keep people safe from harm.”

Our messages 

Though our social media channels over the coming 16 days, we will:

• Explain the signs of abuse, coercion and control.
• Raise awareness of stalking and harassment and what to do if you are experiencing this invasive crime.
• Promote “safe spaces” for those enduring domestic abuse, available in participating pharmacies where you will be offered a phone line and support in a secure environment. Just “ask for ANI”
• Address perpetrators of domestic violence, urging them to seek help to change their behaviour.
• Promote “Hollie Guard”, a safety app for your mobile phone.
• Promote “StreetSafe” a simple means for anyone to report public places in Lincolnshire where they have felt unsafe.

Please join us on social media and share our posts on information and support using the hashtags #16Days and #16DaysOfAction

Where to get help

If you or your children are in immediate danger you should always call 999. If it’s not an emergency, you can call on 101 or report online.

If you don’t want to call us you can access help from specialist domestic abuse services:

Find out about the Lincolnshire Domestic Abuse Specialist Service (LDASS) here.

The National Domestic Violence Helpline is a 24hr Freephone available on 0808 2000 247 operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

If you are a child or young person and domestic abuse is happening in your home or relationship, Childline is available on 0800 1111. 

Safe spaces are available in UK pharmacies including Boots, Superdrug, Morrisons and many independent pharmacies. Go to the healthcare counter and ask to use the safe space where you can access support.

If you are abusive, get help. Call the Respect helpline on 0808 802 4040 or use webchat on the Respect website.