Victims of domestic abuse will have the opportunity to access help quicker than ever through a new initiative being launched by Greater Manchester’s Police and Crime Commissioner.
Domestic abuse specialists will be placed in Accident and Emergency departments across Greater Manchester after a successful trial at Fairfield Hospital in Bury.
In the last 12 months Greater Manchester Police were alerted to 60,464 cases of domestic abuse – an increase of 1,715 from last year.
Commenting on the figures Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd said: “These figures should shock us all into making a stand against domestic violence if we are serious about ridding society of this crime which has untold, long-lasting effects on victims and their children.”
Following the successful trial in Bury the system is now being extended to Rochdale, Oldham, Bolton and Tameside hospitals where special domestic abuse workers will aid hospital staff in treating victims.
“I’ve met and listened to victims of domestic violence and this is exactly the sort of service they’ve been crying out for,” said Mr Lloyd.
“We know there are thousands of victims suffering at the hands of someone who is supposed to love and care for them, with no one to turn to, afraid and not aware of how to get help.”
Figures show that two women die every week at the hands of a partner or ex-partner and domestic abuse affects one in four women in the UK.
Greater Manchester Police hope that by giving victims easy access to care it will persuade those affected to come forward and get necessary help.
“This initiative is a lifeline for these hidden victims, empowering them to access support services much earlier,” said Mr Lloyd
“Early intervention will also help break the cycle of abuse helping prevent children who may witness domestic abuse becoming the next generation of victims and perpetrators.”
The project’s manager, Ruth Wilson, from Victim Support said: “This is a really exciting project and means we can provide a better service to victims of domestic abuse, giving them help and support much earlier to rebuild their lives.”
If the project continues to be successful Greater Manchester Police hope to implement the scheme in more hospitals across the borough.
Assistant Chief Constable, Dawn Copley, said: “We welcome this project as it offers another opportunity for providing early intervention and support to victims.
“We know that incidents of abuse can escalate and lead to victims suffering serious injuries. Early intervention is key and can potentially save lives.”
Image courtesy of Ozan Ozan, with thanks
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