Tackling Domestic Violence

Key agencies have united to tackle the problem of domestic violence in St Helens.

St Helens Council - along with Merseyside Police, Halton and St Helens Primary Care Trust, the Probation Service,and Helena Partnerships and other partners - have signed up to the Domestic Violence and Abuse Strategy to ensure a consistent approach to the issue.

Over 4,000 incidents of domestic violence and over 400 domestic violence-related crimes were reported to the police between April 2010 and March 2011.

Although the cost of the crime has been estimated at £6.4 million locally, the physical, psychological and emotional costs are immeasurable.

The strategy identifies key areas for action to tackle:

· Supporting victims.
· Safeguarding children and young people.
· Holding perpetrators to account.
· Raising awareness of domestic violence & abuse.
· Joint working between agencies.

Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, Safer Communities and Youth - and Chair of the St Helens Community Safety Partnership - Councillor Sue Murphy, said: "Domestic violence and abuse is unacceptable and has to stop. Addressing domestic violence effectively requires a coordinated partnership approach, which consistently tackles the causes and effects of the issue.

"That's why we've adopted a specific Domestic Violence and Abuse Strategy - gaining commitment from statutory and voluntary services to share the responsibility for ensuring the fundamental rights of all residents in the borough - to live their lives in an environment which will not tolerate domestic violence, will support victims, and will hold perpetrators accountable for their actions."

Anyone wanting to report domestic violence should phone the Police on 999 (emergency only) or 0151-709-6010 (non-emergency). Victims can also get advice from the St Helens Independent Domestic Violence Advocate on 01744-743-200 or the National Centre for Domestic Violence on 0800-970-20-70 (or by texting 'NCDV' to 60777).

Download our Domestic Violence Strategy