New mobile website to report domestic abuse
Warwickshire Against Domestic Abuse has launched a new slimmed down 'mobile' version of its popular website www.talk2someone.org.uk suitable for mobile phone users to coincide with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.
Sue Ingram, Domestic Abuse Manager for Warwickshire County Council explained "We wanted to make the information on the http://www.talk2someone.org.uk website, which includes a directory of support services, information and advice,as accessible as possible to anyone who wants to find out more about domestic abuse.
"This new mobile website makes it much easier for anyone affected by domestic abuse to seek this information at a time and place convenient for them where they will not be disturbed."
DS Mandy Swain at Warwickshire Police said: "This is a huge step forward and we are delighted that we can now offer this new service.
"Whether emotional, financial, sexual or physical, domestic abuse is all about control and many people would be surprised at the lengths an abuser will go to in order to control a person. They will control what they wear, how much money they have, whether they can go out or not and even open their post and search through their possessions, so this website is an important development."
"We hope it will encourage anyone affected by domestic abuse to seek help and talk to someone."
To further boost the safety of people who may be at risk of domestic abuse, Warwickshire Against Domestic Abuse has just purchased 40 new mobile phones at a discount from Tesco.
The phones will be loaned to people who do not have their own mobile offering them another way of contacting the police and other agencies and helping to improve their own and their family’s safety.
DS Swain who manages the Domestic Abuse Unit at Warwickshire Police continued "We are grateful to Tesco as the mobile phones will ensure that someone affected by domestic abuse will be able to contact us in an emergency even if their own phone has been damaged, they cannot afford their own or their current phone is needed as part of the investigation process. It also provides greater peace of mind to the victim.
"The mobile phones are provided to people on a temporary loan basis where during the investigation into a domestic incident it becomes apparent that the victim could have trouble contacting the police in an emergency.
"Although the phones have no credit on them, 999 can be dialled without credit."
Sue Ingram, added "This will be a vital line of communication for victims of domestic abuse in Warwickshire. Being able to contact someone like the police urgently, will help prevent incidents of domestic abuse. Warwickshire County Council welcomes any initiative such as this, which will help keep victims and their children safe from domestic abuse."
Cllr Leigh Hunt, Rugby Borough Council portfolio holder for Sustainable Inclusive Communities, said: “Domestic abuse can affect people from all walks of life and in every community. It involves every sort of personal relationship whether it be husband and wife, same sex relationships or parents and children.
“The mobile phones should provide an invaluable resource for those in most need of help.”
A spokesperson from Tesco said: "Tesco is pleased to be able to offer Warwickshire Police a discount on these mobile phones to support their valuable work with those affected by domestic violence.
"It is an area that affects many people, from all walks of life, and this is a practical and straightforward way that Tesco can help."