Published: Wednesday, 1st June 2016
Cannock Chase Council is urging people across the District to seek support if they are experiencing domestic abuse.
Research shows that incidents of domestic abuse rise sharply when England play in the tournament, by up to 25%, so the Council has teamed up with Staffordshire Police, Staffordshire Women’s Aid and a major discount retailer to deliver some important messages to those people affected in our area.
In an innovative approach, campaign artwork will be printed on the back of till receipts at three local stores throughout the duration of the tournament, leading to the campaign being visible on approximately 74,000 receipts.
The campaign encourages those experiencing domestic abuse to recognise the signs and seek help from specialist support agencies, Staffordshire Women’s Aid and Men Too.
Councillor Carl Bennett, Portfolio Leader for Crime and Partnerships said “Domestic abuse is never acceptable and it’s a sad fact that incidents rise sharply when England play in tournaments.
We hope this campaign raises awareness of the problem and I urge both female and male victims of domestic abuse to get help and not suffer in silence. Please call Staffordshire Women’s Aid or Men Too on 0870 2700 123, they can offer practical help and emotional support.”
Dickie James, CEO of Staffordshire Women’s Aid said “This is a really proactive and innovative campaign, working to let victims of domestic abuse know that there is support available to them at a time when they may be particularly vulnerable. The information about our service being included on till receipts is an excellent way of providing victims with the contact number they need without arousing any suspicions from the perpetrators of domestic abuse. We are sure the campaign will reach people who perhaps were not aware that help is available and it is an example of strong partnership working in the Cannock Chase District and of commitment to support victims of domestic abuse.”
Chief Inspector Geoff Knight from Staffordshire Police said “We are working closely with Cannock Chase Council who have taken a creative and pragmatic approach to tackling domestic abuse during the forthcoming tournament.
Staffordshire Police will not tolerate any form of domestic abuse and we will be supporting this campaign through a range of policing initiatives during this period. These activities will be focused on individuals at risk of being offenders along with those who are most at risk in the form of previous and potential victims.”
Staffordshire's Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Ellis is funding the campaign through his Locality Deal Fund.
Preventing and tackling domestic abuse by creating a joint approach across public services is a priority for the Commissioner who said: “Victims of domestic abuse and their families go through a terrible and often prolonged ordeal. That’s why we’re committed to creating a consistent approach across agencies to the planning of provision and support to domestic abuse victims.”
For more information about the campaign contact the Partnerships Team on 01543 464477.