Crimestoppers appeals for help in tackling domestic abuse in South Tyneside

NSPCC figures say one in five children witness or are exposed to domestic abuse and independent charity Crimestoppers has launched a campaign to let people know that if they hear or suspect domestic abuse – and don’t want to tell the police for any reason - they can report it to them, completely anonymously.

Ruth McNee, North East regional manager at Crimestoppers, said: “We all need to realise that victims may be too scared and traumatised to seek help.“Every day we hear distressing and poignant stories from people who are doing an amazing thing by telling us anonymously when they think domestic abuse is happening.

“Information given to our charity helps law enforcement bring a halt to abuse and violence in the home.

"By working together and reporting what we know, we can help put a stop to domestic abuse and save lives.”

The charity says it’s national contact centre anonymises all information received – to ensure the person giving the details can never be identified - before passing it on to police.

Ms McNee added: “Whether it is a neighbour, friend, work colleague or relative, no one will ever know who provided the information.”

To report domestic abuse anonymously, go to Crimestoppers-uk.org or call the 24/7 contact centre on freephone 0800 555 111.

In an emergency, always call 999.

Computer IP addresses are never traced. For telephone calls, there is no caller line display, no 1471 facility and the charity says it has never traced a call.