Warwickshire News Mine

DS Simon Timerick, of Warwickshire Police said "There are two ways abusers can change their behaviour.

"One is to do it themselves by seeking help from professionals such as Warwickshire’s Domestic Abuse Counselling Service.

"The second way is by losing access to their family or ‘loved ones’.

“We are urging anyone who commits domestic abuse to stop and think about their behaviour now before it is too late.

“Abuse is all about control and you may feel that no-one can touch you. But sooner or later you will be arrested and lose your liberty. You could go to court so it will be in the paper. You could lose your job, your family, your home and your standing in the community.

“You are responsible for your behaviour. Do something now to change your future. We want to help you and there is a range of services available.

Domestic abuse is often seen to increase over the Christmas period as families spend more time together, and stresses about money and alcohol put additional pressure on relationships.

Kate Farmer of the Domestic Abuse Counselling Service that offers a programme of one to one individual support and counselling to men and women who are being abusive or violent said

“Have you ever felt or said - when I get angry I lose control of myself, when I’ve had a few drinks, things just get a bit out of hand, or - She/he winds me up?

“Everyone experiences difficulties in life or in a relationship. This never justifies the use of violence or abuse. You will be treated with respect, we judge the act not the person.

“To make an appointment, please contact 0845 004 4075 and ask for me, Kate Farmer. “

The Domestic Abuse Counselling Service (DACS) has provided a counselling service to Warwickshire victims of domestic abuse since 2006. In August 2009 thanks to Big Lottery funding they launched their new ‘Perpetrator Intervention Project’. DACS received £430 000 to set up and provide a program of therapeutic intervention therapy for perpetrators of abuse over the next 4 years. The funding will be used predominantly for staffing to deliver the project throughout Warwickshire.

Kate said “Our counselling service is made possible through the use of volunteer counsellors and is available to both male and female victims and perpetrators of abuse in heterosexual or same sex relationships. We believe that the only way to ‘effect change’ is to work with both victims and perpetrators of domestic abuse to reduce repeat victimisation and work toward building safer family relationships.

"We run a partner support service for partners of those accessing our perpetrator intervention program too to make sure victims receive the support they need while their abuser is accessing help.

“The new project offers a programme of individual therapy to perpetrators with the aim to reduce abuse by helping people to recognise their personal issues and work toward making positive behavioural changes.

“We would like to encourage perpetrators to come forward and informally call the office for information. We also accept referrals from other voluntary and statutory agencies.”

To make a referral to DACS or for further information about the service please call 0845 00 44 075, or e-mail kate.farmer@dacservice.org.uk

Sue Ingram, Domestic Abuse Manager at Warwickshire County Council said “If you think alcohol is to blame for your behaviour, then you can get help from agencies such as Swanswell Trust. Domestic abuse isn’t caused by alcohol, but plays a large part in the number of incidents reported, as we know that it is a factor in nearly 40% of all incidents"

DS Simon Timerick said “We are also asking the public to help stop domestic abuse in our communities.

“It is now much more socially acceptable to report domestic abuse than it ever has been. At some time in their lives 1 out of every 4 women and 1 out of 6 men will be affected by domestic abuse. If you are friends, family or neighbours to someone who you believe is abusing their partner or member of their family, please don’t ignore it, report it to police on 01926 415000. If it is an emergency dial 999. If you need advice dial 0800 408 1552 or visit http://www.talk2someone.org.uk

Warwickshire Against Domestic Abuse is distributing over 25,000 posters throughout Warwickshire during the Christmas period to help get this message across.

Over half victims tell a friend or relative - three times higher than telling police or a medical professional. In 31% of cases the police are informed by someone other than the victim. You could really help.

Link to WCC