Reports of domestic abuse up 15 per cent in Cumbria

The charity Crimestoppers is highlighting that throughout Cumbria, many adults and children experience a wide range of abuse that goes unreported, particularly in rural areas.

During the last six months in Cumbria, Crimestoppers saw a 15 per cent rise in anonymous reports of domestic abuse happening locally compared to last year. Traditionally, the number of reports the charity receives normally rises over the festive period.

Domestic abuse covers a wide range of areas such as physical, psychological, emotional, sexual or financial.

One in four women and one in six men are affected at some point during their lifetime. It is estimated that a typical victim endures up to 35 assaults before speaking up, and in some cases, it can result in death. Often the children who are living in households are the unseen victims, who carry this trauma throughout their lives.

The charity is appealing to those who are victims of abuse to reach out for help and support from the many organisations that are available in Cumbria.

Crimestoppers is also reaching out to so-called bystanders – such as neighbours, colleagues, friends and family – who may have suspicions, but are too embarrassed or fearful of revenge, to tell the authorities about their concerns or the charity 100 per cent anonymously.

Gary Murray, Regional Manager for the North West at the charity Crimestoppers, said: "The home should be a place of safety and love, but unfortunately for many adults and children, this is not the case.

"If you are a victim of abuse then please have the courage to reach out for help and support from the many specialist organisations in Cumbria.

"If you know someone who is a perpetrator of abuse and you do not feel able to contact the police directly, then please contact Crimestoppers anonymously. Your information could change or save a life."

Also commenting on the new statistics was domestic abuse charity Springfield, who offer support and guidance for both men and woman who suffer from domestic abuse.

Their manager Claire Feeney Johnson said: "We've seen reports of male victims of domestic abuse has increased ten fold over the last 12 months, and I do think that is down to awareness that we generate and the awareness that we get out into the local community.

"The increase is there and people might think that's negative, but it's actually a positive that people are reaching out for help.

"Male victims suffer in exactly the same way as woman and it has the exact same impact on their lives. Reaching out for help can be especially difficult because there is a societal masculine image for men, that masculine men don't allow this to happen, which is rubbish.

"The vast majority of people that experience domestic abuse are under the radar in that they don't report it and they don't seek help.

"This increase can be seen as a positive that people are having that confidence to report it and go out for help."