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Police warning to wife-beaters
VIOLENT offenders who attack their partners are being sent a stark Christmas warning by South Tyneside's top cop – "We're watching you."
Letters from South Tyneside's most senior police chief are being sent to 10 of the borough's worst offenders, in the run-up to Christmas, the worst time of year for domestic violence.
And Chief Superindendent Mark Dennett has also urged victims not to suffer in silence at the hands of abusive partners.
He said: "We don't want domestic abuse to be seen as a silent and hidden crime. That's why these letters are going out to known to known perpatrators letting them know their behaviour is being monitored."
Each letter will warn those violent in the home that police will not hesitate to take action against them, and that their behaviour is being monitored.
The move comes as Northumbria Police launches forcewide campaign Domestic Violence – It's a Crime.
Figures reveal more cases of domestic violence is reported during the festive season than any other time of the year, and this is being blamed on family stress levels rising and alcohol consumption.
An increase in debt levels because of the recesion is feared to be another factor this year.
Chf Sup Dennett, said: "We take all reports of domestic abuse very seriously and will look to pursue perpatrators in order to bring them to justice while providing the best possible service for victims.
"We no longer want domestic abuse to be seen as a silent and hidden crime. We want to make it as easy as possible for people to come forward and report it.
"We also want to encourage people to speak out, and if people have friends or relatives they believe are being subjected to domestic abuse to contact us. We do have specialist domestic violence officers who can offer advice."
Between April 2008 and March 2009 a total of 26,650 called were made to police across Northumbria of domestic abuse.
Of these, 20,728 involved partners or ex-partners or other family members.
Assistant Chief Constable of Northumbria Police, Jim Campbell, said: "For some, Christmas will be anything but enjoyable – those who face physical, mental and financial abuse at the hands of their partners.
"And it's not just the partners themselves – often there can be children present who will be traumatised by what they are seeing and hearing.
"We want to provide sympathetic and appropriate support for victims, put offenders before the court, and work with partners to make victims aware of the help that's available."
In the run up to Christmas specialist domestic violence officers, along with 24/7 patrols and neighbourhood teams will be speaking to victims and offenders while hand-delivered letters will be given to persistent perpetrators warning them of the consequence if they abuse their partner."
Offenders who want help to stop their abusive ways can receive advice and information by contacting Respect on 0845 122 8609.
Police can be contacted on 03456 043 043.
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Weather for South Shields
Tuesday 07 February 2012
Today
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Temperature: -3 C to 6 C
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