Sefton Councillor Liz Dowd has welcomed the second phase of Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell’s ‘Taking Action’ campaign to combat domestic abuse, which she described as totally unacceptable in any form.

Help to spot ‘red flags’

‘Taking Action’ is about helping victim-survivors, their friends and their families to enable them to spot the ‘red flags’ that domestic abuse is taking place. This means they can report it to police as soon as possible and seek help.

People can report domestic abuse confidentially, at www.merseyside.police.uk/report-domestic-abuse.

Homes places of fear and abuse

Detective Chief Superintendent Paul Lamb, Head of Merseyside Police’s Protecting Vulnerable People Unit, said: “We want to help people to recognise the red flags of domestic abuse and how to spot the signs.

“Perpetrators of domestic abuse are manipulative. They will go to significant lengths to gain their partner’s trust before swiftly turning their homes into a place of fear and abuse.

“Sadly, many of those who suffer at their hands do not recognise themselves as victims. This is why it is imperative we highlight the signs through this campaign and encourage people to seek support and make a report when they feel ready.

Friends, family members and the wider community

DCS Lamb continued: “I also want to encourage friends, family members and the wider community to come forward and make a report if they suspect someone is suffering from domestic abuse.

“If you’re worried about someone, let them know you’ve noticed something is wrong. They might not be ready to talk but try to find quiet times when they can talk if they choose to.”

The ‘Taking Action’ campaign has been created with victim-survivors at specialist domestic abuse service ‘The First Step’ based in Knowsley. Adverts will be appearing across Merseyside both through digital channels and in outdoor spaces, including buses and trains.

Working with brave victim-survivors

Police and Crime Commissioner, Emily Spurrell said: “By working with brave victim-survivors and the brilliant local charity, The First Step, we are highlighting some of the key warning signs to help victims and their families and friends to recognise when relationships have become abusive.

“We want to give people the confidence to reach out for help and support if they have concerns.

“Merseyside Police has officers and staff who are trained to support you. If you don’t feel confident speaking to police, there are a host of specialist organisations across Merseyside on hand to help, all of which can be found at my www.victimcaremerseyside.org website.”

Totally unacceptable

Cllr Dowd, who is Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Partnership Engagement said:  “Whatever form it takes – physical, emotional, sexual or through coercive control – domestic abuse is totally unacceptable.

“However, because of the way that abusers work, it can be hard for those experiencing it to come forward and report it, which is why it is so important that friends and family support someone they suspect is being abused.

“Look out for signs such as the person making excuses for their abuser’s behaviour, a high level of sickness absence or a nervousness talking openly when their abuser is around.

“In an emergency, people should always dial 999 but if they want to find out how they can support someone they suspect is being abused, they should visit www.sefton.gov.uk/domestic-abuse or call 0151 394 1400”

Experts 

Jenny Dennett Community Domestic Abuse manager, The First Step, Knowsley said: “At The First Step, we believe that those who have lived through Domestic Abuse and coercive control are not just survivors, they are experts.

“Their voices, insights, and lived experience are vital in the fight to end domestic abuse. That’s why we are proud to have supported this campaign, which places survivors at the centre, where they belong.”

You can find out more about the ‘Taking Action’ campaign here.