Police and partners launch 16 days of action against domestic abuse

Today marks the start of 16 days of action against domestic abuse. The campaign runs from today, 25 November, to 10 December. It’s an annual campaign which has perhaps never been so important.

Lockdown has presented challenges to those facing abuse, in some cases trapping someone with their abuser and cutting off their support network. However coming out of lockdown sadly does not signal freedom from abuse. The lifting of restrictions can be a trigger for abuse when the abuser loses the control they have had over their victim. In Lincolnshire incident reports increased by 76% in the 24 hours following the end of the first lockdown with 60 reports in a single day.* 

We are supporting this campaign along with partners across the County including the Council, Health and Domestic Abuse Support Services. The Lincolnshire campaign runs in conjunction with the international UN Women 16 days of activism.

We will be highlighting key messages in relation to domestic abuse and we will outline where people can access support and advice within Lincolnshire.

There are vital messages that people need to know and this campaign is about joining forces to get these messages across. The information could be a lifeline to someone enduring abuse.

*During the first lockdown, Lincolnshire recorded on average 34 domestic abuse reports in a single day. In the first 24 hours from lockdown ending, we saw an increase of 26 domestic abuse reports, totalling 60 reports in a single day.  During July, August and September we received, on average, 38 domestic reports a day, 4 above the daily lock down average. 

Our vital messages

• We will be highlighting that health and abuse support services are open.
• We are here for you and our powers to deal with domestic abuse are not affected by lockdown.
• We will explain the signs of abuse, coercion and control.
• We will also raise awareness of stalking and harassment and what to do if you are experiencing this invasive and terrifying crime.
• We will reiterate that if you are at risk, lockdown restriction DO NOT APPLY.
• We will promote “safe spaces” available in participating pharmacies where you will be offered a phone line and support in a secure environment.
• We will also be addressing perpetrators and urging them to seek help to change their behaviour.
• We will promote the “silent solution” if you call 999 but speaking would put you in danger.

We will also be launching an emotive video with EDAN Lincs which our Officers will be using to urge those enduring abuse to get help.

Where to get help 

If you or your children are in immediate danger you should always call 999. If it is not safe to speak we use ‘silent solutions’. Press 5 5 when prompted and this will tell us that you need us.

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

• End Domestic Abuse Now (EDAN) Lincolnshire available on 01522 510041. Helping all women, men and children experiencing domestic abuse. Lincolnshire’s Domestic Abuse Support Service now have an online chat function on their website. It is available between Monday and Friday 10am to 12pm. The Chat function allows someone to chat with a support worker at EDAN Lincs virtually, which can often be easier for some people to make that first step.
• The National Domestic Violence Helpline is a 24hr Freephone available on 0808 2000 247 operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• The Safe Lives portal provides advice for victims and professionals. 
• Galop – the national LGBT+ anti-violence charity are available on 0800 999 5428.
• If you are a child or young person and domestic abuse is happening in your home or relationship, Childline is available on 0800 1111. 
• The Men’s Advice Line is for male victims of domestic abuse and can be reached on 0808 8010327. 
• 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 worried about your own behaviour

At home shouldn’t mean at risk. There is no excuse for abuse. If you are worried about your behaviour, get help.

Call the Respect helpline on 0808 802 4040 or use webchat on the Respect website.

In Lincolnshire we also have Make a Change – contact 01522 246616  or email: info@makeachangelincs.org.uk