A police force is using the month of February, commonly related to relationships, to “shine a light” on the issue of domestic abuse.

Northumbria Police is highlighting the different ways that people caught up in an abusive relationship can reach out for support.

The force introduced a scheme last year which sees specialists from domestic abuse charities working alongside contact handlers within busy control rooms.

Since last May specialists from North East support groups Wearside Women in Need and Harbour have worked side-by-side with police staff.

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Under the scheme, funded by the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Kim McGunniess, specialists have been situated within control rooms, on hand to help contact handlers offer the best support and guidance to those suffering from domestic abuse.

The force’s lead officer on domestic abuse, Detective Chief Inspector Les Goodliff, said: “Protecting victims is at the heart of everything we do at Northumbria Police, that’s why we’re proud to work closely with specialists from domestic abuse charities.

“While our skilled contact handlers are able to organise the police response, deal with emergencies and keep victims safe, these specialists are on hand to offer an elevated level of emotional and practical support to those in need.

“Our key message here is: ‘You are not alone and help is available.’

“Thanks to funding from our PCC and support from charities, we’re doing all we can to make the process of reporting domestic abuse seem less daunting.

“Abuse takes many forms, it can be emotional, physical or financial but you’re not alone.

“We will do everything we can do to support you, which can include finding safe accommodation for you and any dependents or by removing abusers from homes.” 

Commissioner McGuinness, said: “Anything that increases the chances of a victim-survivor accessing specialist support is worth investing in.

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“Having these fantastic specialists on hand, supporting our police and seizing the opportunity to reach them with offers of help at that moment of crisis can be crucial.

“We know that for 45-per cent of the victims who engaged with the domestic abuse specialist workers in the control room, it was the first time they’d ever spoken to a specialist domestic abuse worker and many of these victims consented to being referred into their local domestic abuse service.

“So, this is a really great example of how early interventions can work, and how we can look to improve lives of victims and their children.”

Anyone experiencing domestic abuse can contact Northumbria Police on 101 or make a report online.

Read next:

               Durham Police and Crime Commissioner secures funding to tackle domestic abuse

               Durham police boss wants more support for domestic abuse victims

               Durham police officers work with Durham University to help domestic violence victims

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In an emergency, they should always call 999.

Callers ringing 999 and are unable to speak, the emergency operator will ask them to dial 55 and to follow their instruction to quickly put them in touch with police.

Further information and support is available via Northumbria Police’s website.