The Isle of Wight Police are to receive £9,000 in extra funding dedicated to a regional campaign of tackling domestic violence over Christmas.

Sandra Horley of Refuge said:

“This announcement is very encouraging as it demonstrates the Government’s commitment to tackling domestic violence.  Better protection for women and children experiencing domestic violence is vital, but it is needed all year round not just at Christmas. 

Women and children need the best possible protection, no matter what day it is.”

The Domestic Violence Enforcement campaign began on the 14th December 2007 and will run to 6th January 2008. The Government is providing a total of £450,000 to provide additional resources and materials to police and partners during the Christmas campaign period.

Intelligence led targeting of high risk domestic violence repeat offenders and the use of video recording to collect evidence at the scene of incidents are just some of the actions that police will be taking to tackle expected increases in domestic violence over the festive season.
 
Domestic violence accounts for 15 per cent of all violent crime nationally and amounts to 31 percent of all violence against women and 5 per cent of all violence against men. This new enforcement campaign aims to increase reporting of domestic violence and reduce the level of repeat offending by bringing more offenders to justice.

Home Office Minister Vernon Coaker said:

“Christmas for most is a time of fun and family, however, for some the emotional strain of the season can contribute to a rise in domestic violence. Police tell us there are about a third more incidents of domestic violence related assault recorded on Christmas Day than the daily average.

“We are committed to doing all we can to help tackle this hidden violence which takes place behind closed doors. That is why I am today pleased to announce funding totalling £450,000 towards a new domestic violence enforcement campaign.
“Working in partnership with police, charities and communities, I hope we see an increase in people coming forward, more support for victims and a rise in the number of offenders being brought to justice.”

Calls to the National 24 hour Domestic Violence Freephone Helpline, run in partnership between Women’s Aid & Refuge, generally increase between Christmas and the New Year with more women reporting assaults and violent incidents which occurred over Christmas.

ACPO lead on Domestic Violence Deputy Chief Constable Brian Moore said:

“We are pleased to receive this additional funding to support our continuing fight against domestic abuse. We recognise that domestic abuse increases over the festive period and we want to reassure victims that they should come forward and that we will support and protect them.

“We also want to continue to send the message out to perpetrators that if you commit domestic abuse you will be arrested.

“Our goal is to keep as many victims as safe as we can and lock up as many abusers as possible for Christmas and the New Year. Perpetrators can be clear that the police will do all within their power to arrest and prosecute them.”

Sandra Horley OBE, Chief Executive of Refuge added:

“At Refuge we know that domestic violence doesn’t take time off at Christmas. It is a day like any other for thousands of women and children who are living in the grip of violence.  But we have to remember that domestic violence is about power and control and systematic, purposeful abuse.  So Christmas may mean an abused woman experiences heightened fear and isolation because of intense scrutiny from a violent partner.

Help is available: Freephone 24 hour National Domestic Violence Helpline, run in partnership between Refuge and Women’s Aid, operates a confidential 365 day a year service on 0808 2000 247. Click HERE: for more information about how Refuge can help.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Against Domestic Violence And Abuse

The christmas card drawing above is from a child who had previously been the recipient of Domestic Violence Services.

Isle of Wight Public Information @Island Pulse.