'Domestic violence is everyone's business' says Coventry charity

A women's charity in Coventry and Warwickshire says domestic violence is everyone's business.

This comes as it's No More Week, a week which aims to raise awareness on domestic violence around the world.

We've been told that domestic violence rates are continuing to increase in Coventry and Warwickshire.

Elaine Yates, CEO of Coventry Haven Women's Aid has been telling us more.

Elaine said: "So our figures are going up year on year, the rates of domestic abuse and rates of reporting are not going down.

"They're continuing to go up to go up and we are still seeing women who don't know about our services."

Elaine says campaign weeks provide women with confidence to seek support.

Elaine said: "Every single time there is a campaign, people start talking about it whether it's in their workplaces, in the gym, or at a children's club.

"Due to increased conversation on domestic violence we see an absolute correlation with an increase in referrals into our service.

"So we know that it has a direct impact on people being getting the right messaging through people being able to access the right support and save lives actually."

Whilst positive changes are being made, Elaine says more can be done to increase awareness and help more women access support.

Elaine said: "We assume that everybody knows what domestic abuse is, where they can go, what help they can get.

"But actually there are massive amounts of victims who don't necessarily recognise that they're in abusive relationship.

"They often don't know where to go if they did need help, and they certainly don't know their rights and entitlements.

"So anything that raises the profile of what domestic abuse is, but more significantly our services and where people can go to to get that support is really critical."

For those who feel like they may be a victim of domestic violence or coercive behaviour Coventry Women's Aid urge them to call their helpline on: 0800 111 1998

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