Devon and Cornwall Police back domestic abuse campaign
Figures have shown a rise and employers across the South West are being called on to do more
Last updated 26th Nov 2020
Employers across the South West are being called on to do more to combat domestic abuse.
A campaign - launched by Public Health England South West - is being backed by Devon and Cornwall Police.
As part of the international 16 days of action movement, employers across the region are being urged to play their part.
New figures from the Office for National Statistics show that the number of domestic abuse related offences have risen.
In Devon and Cornwall, there was a 3.6% increase for the year ending March 2020 compared to 2018/19. Across England and Wales it rose by 8.5%.
Public Health England has identified domestic abuse as a hugely destructive problem and believes employers have an important role to play in society’s response.
They believe the pandemic has had a part to play in this, with home working denying many victims access to workplaces, which can often be the only refuge and a place where signs of abuse may be spotted.
Figures from the National Domestic Abuse helpline run by the charity Refuge reported more than 40,000 calls were made during the first three months of lockdown.