Police urge victims of domestic abuse to speak out during lockdown - The Leamington Observer

Police urge victims of domestic abuse to speak out during lockdown

Leamington Editorial 25th Mar, 2020   0

DON’T suffer in silence – that is the message to victims of domestic abuse who find themselves on lockdown with their abuser.

The head of Warwickshire Police’s domestic abuse unit has spoken out to reassure victims and warn perpetrators.

Det Insp Tony Hibbert said: “The orders to stay at home and isolate from family and friends are going to prove challenging for everyone. However, it may prove additionally challenging for people in violent and abusive relationships.

“People who have not previously been victims may also find themselves subject to domestic abuse. There is no excuse for domestic abuse and one incident is one too many.




“While as a force we will face our own challenges over the coming months, I would like to emphasise our ongoing commitment to tackling domestic abuse and supporting victims. It remains a force priority and we will continue to be proactive in targeting high-risk offenders and supporting victims.

“My message to victims is don’t suffer in silence.”


Domestic abuse is categorised by any incident or patterns of incidents of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between adults who are or have been intimate partners or family members. It can be physical, emotional, psychological, sexual or financial.

Victims can report incidents to police via www.warwickshire.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime or by calling 101. Call 999 if you feel threatened or a crime is in progress.

Call the Warwickshire Domestic Violence Centre on 0800 408 1552 (8.30am-8.30pm Monday to Friday; 10am-4pm on Saturday) for support and information.

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