Cumbria Police and the Cumbria Safeguarding Adult Board are encouraging the public to learn the signs that could signal someone is suffering from domestic abuse.
By learning the signs, more people will be able to identify where abuse is happening and report it so those suffering can get the help they need.
The call is part of a National Adult Safeguarding Week, which is this week raising awareness of services available to those suffering from abuse.
In the past year, police have recorded 7,402 incidents of domestic abuse in Cumbria. Domestic abuse continues to be an area that is often under-reported or where victims may not identify themselves as someone who is at risk of harm. Signs of abuse can include:
Temporary Detective Chief Inspector Dan StQuintin, domestic abuse lead at Cumbria Constabulary, said:
“Domestic abuse is an issue that safeguarding agencies across the UK will deal with multiple times a day. Everyone will know someone that is impacted by domestic abuse even if they are not aware it is happening.
“I would encourage every member of the public to keep an eye out for family members, friends or colleagues. By learning the signs of abuse, you may be in a position to identify a victim and subsequently report it to police so appropriate help can be offered to that person. Domestic abuse does not only affect the victim but any children living in that setting can also suffer.
“Every report we receive is thoroughly investigated and each victim is treated with respectfully and professionally.
“Reporting domestic abuse is an important step in ending abuse. I would encourage anyone that has concerns or feels that they may themselves be a victim to report what is happening so we can keep you safe, stop the abuse and bring perpetrators to justice.”
If you are a victim of domestic abuse, or know someone who is, and there is an ongoing emergency or life is in danger, call 999 now.
If you have been the victim of domestic abuse, or are concerned for someone who is, you can report this in the safety of your local police station.
In non-emergency cases and for general advice, please call 101.