Bid to reduce domestic violence at Xmas

The East Sussex Safer Communities Partnership will be stepping up efforts to reduce domestic violence during the campaign which runs from Friday 12 December 2008 until Sunday 4 January 2009.

The campaign will see East Sussex County Council's Safer Communities Team, Sussex Police (East Sussex Division) and CRI Domestic Abuse Service working together on the issue. Although domestic violence is a year round problem, the stresses and strains of Christmas often result in an increase of domestic violence incidents reported to Police.

Councillor Bob Tidy, Lead Member for Community Safety at the County Council, said: "We want to raise awareness about the issue during the campaign and inform victims that support services are available to help them. The Partnership is distributing information posters and leaflets across the County and letting people know that domestic violence advocates from the County Council are on hand to support victims referred by the Police through any potential court case."

Part of the campaign includes extra police patrol cars to ensure a prompt response to any calls. Police officers will also be briefed in advance in order to support potential prosecutions. Any cases leading to court proceedings will be referred to one of three dedicated specialist domestic violence courts in East Sussex. These courts are designed to provide ongoing and comprehensive support to victims and their families.

DI Fran Mitchell from Sussex Police (East Division), said: "Last year we dealt with a high volume of domestic violence incidents which included 118 crimes and resulted in 87 arrests. The message is clear. If you're suffering from domestic violence, or know someone who is suffering, report it. We can help and we will help".

Access support from CRI Domestic Abuse Service: Eastbourne 01323 414224, Hastings & Rother: 01424 716629 and Lewes and Wealden: 01323 419340.

The Safer Communities Partnership includes: East Sussex County Council, Hastings and Rother Primary care Trust, Sussex Downs and Weald Primary Care Trust, Sussex Police, Sussex Police Authority, Eastbourne Crime and Reduction Partnership, Safer Wealden Partnership, Lewes Crime Reduction Partnership, Safer Hastings Partnership and the Safer Rother Partnership.