Crimestoppers is reminding people on the Isle of Wight how to spot tell-tale signs of domestic abuse, in a new campaign launched this week.
In 2023, Crimestoppers received over 4,000 reports on domestic abuse offences across the UK. They are appealing for anyone who is aware of it happening to contact them 100% anonymously, as it can save lives.
Anyone can become a victim of domestic abuse, with 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men experiencing it in their lifetime. And in too many cases, it results in death, with 2 women murdered by a current or former partner each week across the UK.
Often, children living in households are the unseen victims who carry this trauma throughout their lives.
Information can be given 100% anonymously to Crimestoppers in over 150 different languages, 365 days of the year, 24/7, by calling the UK-based Contact Centre on 0800 555 111, or by completing a safe and secure online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org. In an emergency, always call 999.
Domestic abuse can be physical, psychological, emotional, sexual, or financial. And any adult can be a perpetrator. Signs that someone is a victim of domestic abuse can include:
- Their partner puts them down in front of other people
- They are constantly worried about making their partner angry
- They make excuses for their partner’s behaviour
- Their partner is extremely jealous or possessive
- They have unexplained marks or injuries
- They’ve stopped spending time with friends and family
- They are depressed or anxious, or you notice changes in their personality
You may be a neighbour who could have seen or heard:
- Threatening and intimidating arguments, which may involve violent language or escalate to smashing up the furniture
- Arguments where the partner blames the other for their actions, saying they are “asking for it” or deserve the abuse
- Individuals with bruising or other visible marks, which may have been caused by physical abuse
A team of professionals working at the Crimestoppers National Contact Centre anonymises all information received, ensuring that the person giving the details can never be identified, before passing it on to police to investigate.
Computer IP addresses are never traced and for telephone calls, there is no caller line display, no 1471 facility and calls have never been traced. So, whether it is a neighbour, friend, work colleague, or relative, no one will ever know who provided the information.
Mick Duthie, Director of Operations at Crimestoppers, says:
“Every day we hear distressing stories from people who are doing the right thing and telling our charity anonymously when they think domestic abuse is happening.
“We know that victims sadly may be embarrassed, too scared and traumatised to seek help, and it typically could take 35 assaults before they have the strength to speak up. This could be for many different reasons; fear of losing their children; fear of losing their home; fear of not being believed; even thoughts that they are somehow to blame.
“Information given to our charity from people across the Isle of Wight helps law enforcement stop abuse and violence in the home. By working together, knowing the signs to spot and reporting what we know, we can help put a stop to domestic abuse – and we can save lives.”
Everyone needs to be aware of this, and everyone needs to call it out when they see or hear it. It includes coercive control. Victims need to know they have everyone’s support. Bullies also need go understand that behaviour like that is likely to end in a custodial sentence.
There is no place in society for bullies,
lock the B’stards up.
I feel men are at more risk of mental bullying and control against physical harm in reverse roles these days. Neither great but one just less obvious and males are unlikely to report cases so possibly 1 in 6 in a very conservative guesstamate.
You’re not wrong. I know of several, one committed suicide the abuse was so bad. It’s not a gender issue though, abuse is abuse.
You need to be very careful when you advise ‘ calling out’ what you see as domestic abuse or coercive control, Sunshine. Talking your partner down in front of others? Making excuses for a partner’s behaviour? After more than half a century of marriage and observation, I would say I’ve observed all of those ‘symptoms’ of domestic abuse on both sides of countless long and successful marriages. Genuine concern leads so easily to zealotry, have you not noticed?
Yes, I have, but I’m not sure of the point you’re making. It’s true that some people put up with being belittled and would say they have a long and successful relationship, but at what personal cost, and would they (if their partner wasn’t listening) say they were happy with the status quo? Doubtful, in my experience. Sniping between couples has and will always happen, but most people know the difference between the two sets of behaviours.But I’m sure you’re aware of the many instances of those who suffer, sometimes in public but more in private, of inequality in their relationship to the extent they are subjugated. Many others (friends, family, bystanders) will sympathise and privately feel the person shouldn’t have to put up with it but say nothing, turn away because, well, it’s not their business, is it? Calling it out lets the victim know it’s been seen and they have support.