Speak out against domestic abuse

Advice and support

Advice and support for Women

Information for women who are experiencing domestic abuse.

Advice and support for Men

Information for men who are experiencing domestic abuse.

Advice and support for Children

The charity Women's Aid have created an interative website called "The Hideout" which gives children and young people information about domestic abuse that is easy to read and understand.

Advice and support for Family and Friends

Information for friends and family who are concerned that a relative or friend may be experiencing domestic abuse.

Advice for Young People

Cheshire Police have created Upbeat, a site which offers advice and information for young people on a range of subject areas including Domestic Abuse.

Report Domestic Abuse

National contact numbers

National Domestic Violence Helpline

0808 2000 247

The freephone 24 Hour National Domestic Violence Helpline is run in partnership between Women’s Aid and Refuge. The helpline can give support, advice and information to women experiencing domestic violence and to family, friends colleagues and others calling on their behalf.

Local contact numbers

Cheshire East Domestic Abuse Family Safety Unit

01606 363532

Cheshire West and Chester Domestic Abuse Family Safety Unit

01606 351375

Halton Domestic Abuse Service

0300 11 11 247

Warrington Domestic Abuse Support Services

01925 418430

Speak Out against Domestic Abuse

The 'Speak Out' campaign coincides with a time of year that should be filled with love and happiness but traditionally sees a rise in the number of domestic abuse incidents reported to police.

Domestic abuse can be defined as any threatening behaviour, violence or abuse - emotional, psychological, physical, sexual or financial.

Between April 2010 and December 2010, 4092 women reported being a victim of domestic abuse in Cheshire.

Assistant Chief Constable Phil Thompson, who leads on domestic abuse for Cheshire, said:

Domestic abuse is an issue that we take extremely seriously - whatever time of the year. It is unfortunate that at this time of year when many couples are celebrating their love for one another that we tend to see a rise in cases where people report abusive relationships to the police.

We hope that by raising awareness of the issues and by reinforcing our commitment to victims of abuse that it will encourage more victims to come forward.

We have worked closely with victims to understand what makes them speak out after suffering at the hands of a partner, friend or relative and they describe a life changing moment that makes them want to speak out and break the cycle of abuse. We hope this campaign may provide that moment, which makes a victim pick up the phone and contact us or one of the support agencies within the local community.

Likewise, we are calling on family members, friends, neighbours and work colleagues who are concerned that someone close to them is experiencing domestic abuse to report it. By getting in touch with us they really can help make a difference to someone’s life.

We are also asking those concerned about their own behaviour to speak out and seek advice and support.

- Assistant Chief Constable Phil Thompson

Don't suffer in silence

The campaign urges victims of domestic abuse to break their silence and speak out. As part of the campaign key information will be placed in the local community including GP surgeries, community centres and shops calling on people to take action. Phone numbers for national and local support services will also be displayed in male and female toilets in pubs, bars and clubs across the county.

Information and advice is also available on this website - with emotional interviews with domestic abuse victims, information on what life is like in a refuge and videos showing how Cheshire Police responds to incidents.

Bringing offenders to justice

Domestic abuse is an issue that Cheshire Police takes extremely seriously - and is not acceptable under any circumstances. We are committed to taking positive action to bring offenders to justice and to hold them to account for their actions.

We have specially trained officers who are dedicated to investigating incidents and providing support and assistance to those in need. We want victims to know that police are also working closely alongside a number of agencies within the local community to tackle the issue.

Domestic abuse knows no boundaries and it can happen to anyone at any time regardless of gender, age and sexuality. It is important for people to recognise what abuse is and where they can go to seek help and advice if they need it.

Confidential support and advice is available locally for anyone who has or is experiencing any form of domestic abuse. We want victims to have the confidence and know-how to speak out against the abuse - please do not suffer in silence.

- Assistant Chief Constable Phil Thompson

Reporting Domestic Abuse

If you are a victim of domestic abuse, are worried that someone close to you is experiencing domestic abuse or are concerned about your own behaviour please contact Cheshire Police on 0845 458 0000.

In an emergency always dial 999.