Larne victims of domestic abuse urged: ‘It is safe to report’

Victims of domestic abuse have been offered reassurance that it is safe for them to come forward and that they should do so without delay.
By The Newsroom
Published 30th May 2014, 13:00 BST
After, local Asda employee Christine Archer (centre) with completed head shave by Chris Davies (left) and Asda General Store Manager Simon Fisher, Christine had her head shaved to raise funds for the Womens Aid charity. INLT 20-022-PSBAfter, local Asda employee Christine Archer (centre) with completed head shave by Chris Davies (left) and Asda General Store Manager Simon Fisher, Christine had her head shaved to raise funds for the Womens Aid charity. INLT 20-022-PSB
After, local Asda employee Christine Archer (centre) with completed head shave by Chris Davies (left) and Asda General Store Manager Simon Fisher, Christine had her head shaved to raise funds for the Womens Aid charity. INLT 20-022-PSB

Latest crime figures show that the message is getting through, with a 34 per cent increase in assaults in the Larne borough being largely attributed to an increasing number of domestic violence incidents being reported to police.

The PSNI and leading local charity Women’s Aid urged more victims to disclose.

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Chief Insp Bob Blemmings said a multi-agency approach means that everyone involved is prepared for the moment when a victim takes the decision to report abuse.

He added: “People need to have the confidence to come to the police and to see a way out of the situation that they are in and they are terrible situations that some people are living in.”

Rosemary Magill at Women’s Aid ABCLN urged victims that the police should be their first port of call. She added: “Police officers are trained to understand that an incident they are called out to may be part of ongoing behaviour.”

Rosemary explained that police carry out a risk assessment analysis, on which agencies including Women’s Aid, Social Services and NIHEare all prepared to act according to individual circumstances.

Bob Blemmings said the impact on all involved, including children, is considered. “The goal is that they live in a safe, happy environment,” he added.

Related topics:LarnePeopleWomen's AidPSNI