Kent Police is urging people experiencing domestic abuse to report it and access the support and advice available around the county.

Detective Superintendent Lee Catling, who heads up the Public Protection Unit at Kent Police and is chair of the Kent and Medway Domestic Violence Strategy Group, says, 'Some national agencies have expressed concern that incidents of domestic abuse could rise because of the economic downturn. Domestic abuse is a crime that is hugely under-reported and it is a priority for Kent Police. While the pressures of financial hardship can cause immense stress, living in fear of abuse is not acceptable.

Don't live in fear

'Many people do not report domestic abuse because they live in fear, are concerned about the financial implications or are worried they may be criminalising their partner. We want to encourage people to come forward and report domestic abuse.

'Reaching out to us, or one of the many organisations in Kent who offer support, could be the start of a life without the fear of abuse for them and their children.'

People suffering domestic abuse can call national or local domestic abuse helplines. The Citizens Advice Bureau and the National Debtline can give advice about financial worries.

Victims of domestic abuse can also obtain free legal advice and representation from the National Centre for Domestic Violence.

Specially trained officers

Kent Police officers are specially trained to deal with domestic abuse. Police public protection teams are working closely with local housing associations and domestic abuse organisations to prevent people becoming trapped in abusive relationships. Kent Police also works with offenders through rehabilitation programmes.

Detective Superintendent Catling says, 'It is important that people have the confidence to take that first step to report it. We know that domestic abuse is under reported by 70-80% but we know a large proportion of these people will tell someone they trust.

'We want people to come forward and report it, either to the police, a support service or someone else you trust. When our domestic abuse figures increase, we are encouraged that more people trust in the police to deal with the matter.

Fall in numbers of repeat victims

'We have seen the numbers of repeat victims fall to 21.8% from 40% five years ago. This means that when someone reports domestic abuse to us for the first time, around 80% will not experience it from that offender again.

'The recent publicity from the Women’s Aid video advertisement about domestic abuse starring Keira Knightly helps raise awareness of the seriousness of domestic abuse and the fact that anyone can become a victim.'

Charitable organisations, such as Canterbury’s Rising Sun Domestic Violence Project, say they are getting more referrals because financial pressures, bankruptcy, repossession and excessive consumption of alcohol have meant an increase in conflict in the home turning to violence.

National Centre for Domestic Violence

Kent Police support the National Centre for Domestic Violence (NCDV), which gives free legal advice and representation to victims of domestic abuse and helps them obtain civil court orders, also known as injunctions, to protect them from their abusers. A civil order prohibits a violent or abusive partner or ex-partner from using or threatening violence.

As well as legal advice, the NCDV is able to offer assistance at court using a 'MacKenzie Friend' to accompany victims throughout the proceedings. There is no charge for this facility.

To contact NCDV call 08709 220704, or visit the NCDV website for more information. The telephone helpline is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Citizens Advice Bureau

Anyone who is worried about their financial situation should contact the Citizens Advice Bureau, which provides free, confidential and independent advice. This advice is available face-to-face and by telephone. Most bureaus offer home visits and some will also provide advice by email.

Bureaus can be found in:

• Ashford and Tenterden
• Chatham
• Faversham
• Gillingham
• Maidstone
• Sheppey
• Sittingbourne
• Whitstable

Visit the Citizen's Advice Bureau website and enter your postcode for more details.

The Citizens Advice Bureau Adviceguide website contains helpful information on your rights, including benefits, housing, family matters and employment, and on debt, consumer and legal issues.

National Debtline

You can also call the government and private sector funded National Debtline on 0808 808 4000, who provide self-help packs and fact sheets on rent or mortgage arrears.

Who to call?

• In an emergency or if your life is in danger, please call 999.
• The National Domestic Violence helpline is 0808 2000247 (24 hour service, run in partnership between Women's Aid and Refuge).
• The Kent Domestic Abuse Information Line is 0845 6036813
• The Male Advice Line, specifically for men affected by domestic abuse, is 0808 801 0327
• Respect, which gives advice and help to offenders, as well as families and professionals, is 0845 122 8609
• The Karma Nirvana helpline number, which supports victims of forced marriages and honour-based violence, is 0800 5 999 247

Local contacts

To find refuge spaces please contact:

• The Dove Project (24 hr) - 01702 300006
• National Domestic Violence Helpline - 0808 2000247

Canterbury

• Rising Sun Domestic Violence Project - 01227 452852
• Canterbury Women’s Refuge - 01227 452849

Maidstone, West Kent and Swale

• Women’s Support Services - 01622 766146
• Tuesday and Friday - Sometimes the line is very busy but if you leave a message, your call will be returned.

Medway

• Casa Support - 01795 420042

North Kent

• Dartford & Gravesham Women’s Aid - 01322 384792
• Sure Start Dartford - 01322 421160
• Sure Start Gravesend - 01474 357569
• Home start - 01322 225100
• There is a one-stop shop every Tuesday morning between 10 and 12 at the Citizen’s Advice Bureau in Dartford

Thanet

• Oasis through the Dove Project on 01702 300006
• Refuge - 0808 2000 247
• Thanet Police (24 hour) - 01843 231055
• Thanet Social Services - 01843 860000
• Victim Support - 0845 303 0900
• Thanet District Council - 01843 577000

Weald and South Kent

• Refuge Advocacy Support - 01303 262069

Posted on: 18 June 2009