There’s no excuse for abuse in Lancashire.
Lancashire Violence Reduction Network, along with local councils, Lancashire Police, support agencies, the NHS and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner have come together to create the #noexcuseforabuse campaign.
The campaign aims to raise awareness and understanding of domestic abuse, the help and support available to victims and perpetrators, and how and where people can report their concerns.
There is no ‘them and us’ when we’re thinking about victims and survivors of domestic abuse – they are our friends, our family, our neighbours and our colleagues.
With this in mind, the people of Lancashire are being asked to support the campaign by:
- Recognising that anyone can be affected by domestic abuse and it can happen in all types of relationships – couples, parents, grandparents or wider family members.
- Being aware that domestic abuse isn’t just physical – it can be emotional, physical, sexual, financial or controlling behaviour.
- Understanding that there’s no excuse for abuse – whatever the circumstances.
- Trusting your instincts – if something you’ve seen or heard doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.
- Knowing where to find the help and support agencies in Lancashire – visit noexcuseforabuse.co.uk.
- Reporting to the police if you’re worried about someone – you can report online at lancashire.police.uk/reportcrime or by calling 101 or, if someone is at risk of immediate harm, dial 999.
Det Chief Supt Sue Clarke, Head of Lancashire Violence Reduction Network said:
“The pandemic has brought about huge changes in people’s lives in quite a short amount of time. Pressures brought about by families spending more time together, financial worries, work concerns and general day-to-day ups and downs may have made some people’s lives particularly difficult.
“What we want to do is help make everyone in Lancashire aware that anyone can be affected by domestic abuse, it can happen in all types of relationships and that support is available. If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse or if you’re concerned about your own behaviour you can find organisations who can help on the #noexcuseforabuse website.”
Angie Ridgwell, Chair of the Strategic Coordination Group of the Lancashire Resilience Forum and Chief Executive of Lancashire County Council said:
“All organisations who are part of the #noexcuseforabuse campaign are committed to keeping people safe and protecting those people who need help.
“Support services remain open for people who may be experiencing domestic abuse; they are ready and waiting to help you.
“There are a range of local agencies that can provide information, advice and support to people experiencing abuse, those who are abusing others and concerned members of the community.”
Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw added:
“Domestic abuse is unacceptable and I am proud to support this campaign to share that message loud and clear.
“We know that children are present in many of the domestic abuse incidents our officers attend and the long-term damage this can do is immeasurable.
“People need to know that local services across Lancashire are ready to support them during the pandemic and beyond and this campaign is highlighting that information.”
Detective Chief Inspector Mike Gladwin of Lancashire Constabulary’s Public Protection Unit and Chair of the Pan Lancashire Domestic Abuse Steering Group commented:
“We are committed to keeping people safe and protecting those people who need our help.
“We want people to feel safe in their homes and our Neighbourhood Policing Teams are working hard along with our partners to prevent harm and ensure support is there during these challenging times.
“There’s simply no excuse for abuse in our county and as such I’d urge anyone who is worried about someone they know to report their concerns online at lancashire.police.uk/reportcrime or by calling 101 or, if someone is at risk of immediate harm, dialling 999.”
For more information about the #noexcuseforabuse campaign and details of the help and support agencies in Lancashire, visit: www.noexcuseforabuse.co.uk .
If your organisation would like to support the campaign, a series of fact sheets and social media assets are available on our resources page.
