Crimestoppers has launched a new campaign across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight to help people recognise the signs of domestic abuse and to speak up safely and anonymously.
Funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire & Isle of Wight’s (OPCC) Safer Communities Fund, the campaign comes as figures reveal the scale of domestic abuse across the region.
In the last year, it’s estimated that around 56,000 people were subjected to domestic abuse in Hampshire, and more than 43,000 children were exposed, in their own home, to domestic abuse between adults.
Domestic abuse has a higher rate of repeat offending than any other crime.
In Hampshire, almost a third of abusers are involved in multiple incidents. For victims, speaking up is rarely simple – fear, control, and isolation can make it incredibly difficult to report. Friends and family members often suspect abuse but worry that contacting police could make things worse for the person being harmed.
Crimestoppers’ No Reason for Abuse campaign aims to empower the public to take action safely. Anyone with knowledge or suspicions about abuse can contact Crimestoppers 100% anonymously – with a guarantee that they will never be asked for their name, their call or device will never be traced, and there is no police contact, statement, or court involvement.
There is no reason or excuse for abuse – ever.
Signs to Spot
Domestic abuse is not always physical. It can be emotional, psychological, sexual, financial, or coercive. Recognising the signs could save a life.
You might notice that someone you know:
- Is constantly worried about their partner’s mood or not completing a job before they get home.
- Has a partner who puts them down in public or in front of friends.
- They avoid situations or ask permission to do things.
- Appear anxious, or unusually quiet.
- Has unexplained injuries or bruises.
- Stops seeing family or friends without explanation.
- They hand over their wages, spending is controlled by their partner.
You might also hear or see signs if you live nearby:
- Repeated arguments with violent or threatening language.
- A partner blaming the other person, saying they “deserve it” or are “asking for it”.
If you suspect that someone is being abused, you can give information safely and anonymously to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or completing a secure online form at crimestoppers-uk.org.
Crimestoppers is not the police and has been independent for over 35 years. Every report is treated confidentially and passed securely on for investigation, without revealing who shared it.
Beth Simpson, Regional Manager, South Central West at the charity Crimestoppers, said
“Domestic abuse thrives in silence. If you suspect someone is being controlled or harmed, you can share what you know with Crimestoppers 100% anonymously. You’ll never be asked for your name, and your call or device can’t be traced.
“We know how hard it is to speak up, especially if you’re close to the situation. That’s why Crimestoppers exists – to give people a safe, completely anonymous way to help stop abuse and protect those at risk. Every piece of information can make a difference.”
To pass on what you know anonymously, please complete an online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call the charity’s UK Contact Centre on 0800 555 111.
Please note: No-one will ever know you contacted Crimestoppers. With Fearless.org and Crimestoppers-uk.org, computer IP addresses are never traced.
For telephone calls to the independent charity’s UK Contact Centre, there is no caller line display and no 1471 facility. You will stay 100% anonymous. Always.
