Stay Warm, Stay Well, Stay Safe –

make a pledge against domestic abuse

With winter in full swing, Cheshire East Adult Safeguarding Board is appealing to people to be extra vigilant in supporting some of our most vulnerable residents.

With around 5,000 domestic incidents reported to police each year in Cheshire East, the board has made its pledge against domestic abuse.

Statistics from the British Crime Survey show that domestic abuse for 2009/10 affects seven per cent of women and four per cent men in Britain.

And evidence shows that both women and men with a long-term illness or disability were more likely to be victims of domestic abuse (12.3 per cent and 6.7 per cent respectively) and stalking (5.7 per cent and five per cent respectively), compared with those without a long-term illness or disability.

Councillor Roland Domleo, Cabinet member with responsibility for adult services, said: “These figures show that those with a long-term illness or disability are almost twice as likely to experience domestic abuse, which is quite a stark difference than those who do not have a long-term illness or disability.

“With this in mind, I would urge people to keep an eye out for their friends and neighbours at this time of year, when those with illness or disability are at their most vulnerable.”

A recent interview survey with disabled women also indicates that as many as one in five report abuse of various kinds at home.

Derek Thomas, the independent chair of the local Adult Safeguarding Board, said: “Many people assume that domestic abuse does not affect the most vulnerable in our society but evidence shows this is not the case.

“We have a shared a responsibility to help to protect those who may be least able to protect themselves and who, for a variety of reasons, may find it most difficult to speak out.

“But I would like to remind those who are victims of abuse that they are not to blame, not alone and can get help. You are already a survivor and you can get your life back.”

Domestic abuse is expected to rise as unemployment, financial hardship and increased use of alcohol during festive periods puts extra strains on family life.

Everyone has the right to feel safe in their own home and any man or woman, who is experiencing domestic abuse or knows someone who is, should contact the Cheshire East domestic abuse family safety unit, in confidence, on 01606 363532 or contact the national domestic violence free 24-hour helpline on 0808 2000 247.