• People affected by abuse urged to ‘talk2someone’
• New county website puts advice and contacts in one place

Public services, charities and organisations in Warwickshire with a role to play in protecting people from domestic abuse have launched a new campaign urging everyone affected to ‘talk2someone’ and seek support or help.

More than 600 incidents of domestic abuse are reported across the county every month.

Abuse can take many forms – physical, emotional, financial or sexual – and most victims will suffer many times over several years before taking the first step and talking to someone they trust.

The ‘talk2someone’ campaign launched today, involving 32 public services, charities and other organisations, working as Warwickshire Against Domestic Abuse, aims to raise awareness of domestic abuse and ensure that everyone has the best available information and support possible.

County Councillor and Warwickshire Police Authority member Richard Hobbs, who Chairs the Warwickshire Safer Communities Partnership explained:

“The ‘talk2someone’ campaign is targeted at all those affected by domestic abuse – victims; their children; friends, family and neighbours of victims and also abusers themselves. It encourages everyone to take the first step towards breaking the cycle of abuse. If it affects you, or someone you care about, talk to someone.

“Domestic abuse is a hidden crime. It mostly occurs in private, behind closed doors and is not widely publicised. There were more than 7,000 incidents reported by victims in Warwickshire during 2007/8 but the reality is that many more people are affected.

“The harms caused by domestic abuse, ranging from fear and distress to serious injury and murder, cannot be effectively tackled by any one organisation working in isolation.

“Warwickshire Against Domestic Abuse demonstrates that public services and other charities and organisations that communities rely on to protect them from harm are focussed on ensuring that people have the best available information, advice and support.

Dee Lytton, Area Manager of Victim Support Warwickshire speaking on behalf of victim support services in Warwickshire said:

“By working together as Warwickshire Against Domestic Abuse we hope that victims can feel more confident in coming forward to seek information, advice or help. Victims, friends and family and all those affected by domestic abuse now have more ways than ever of finding out about the full range of services available to support them.

Teri Watts, Chief Officer of Warwickshire Domestic Violence Support Services, also speaking on behalf of victim support services in Warwickshire added:

“We hope that all those with a role in protecting communities from harm will help to promote the ‘talk2someone’ campaign, the new county website – www.talk2someone.org.uk - and reduce the impact that domestic abuse has on the lives of so many individuals, families and communities.”

The ‘talk2someone’ message will appear widely across Warwickshire in months to come, including on posters, buses and in public buildings, giving those affected the opportunity to note the helpline telephone number – 0800 408 1552 and website address.

Click this link to view some of the marketing material that will accompany this launch