Domestic Abuse - Speak Out!
Families are being told to be on the look out for Domestic abuse this Christmas as cases continue to rise.
Greater Manchester Police reponds to around 70 thousand cases of every year.
Police and support agencies have all joined forces with victims and their relatives as part of the latest campaign to get people talking.
LISTEN: Our Chief Reporter Michelle Livesey's been visiting the Fort Alice refuge in Bolton:
During the holidays, police across Greater Manchester will increase patrols and officers will carry out a number of high profile initiatives to bring in offenders known for domestic abuse offences and to protect those victims who are at most risk.
Officers work alongside Independent Domestic Violence Advocates (IDVAs) to ensure victims were being signposted to support services at the earliest opportunity. Known perpetrators will be visited by police to remind them of their bail conditions and of any Domestic Violence Protection Orders (DVPOs) that were in place.
Men and women are encouraged to use Clare's Law, which allows them to check their partners police record to see if they have a history of violence. The scheme is named after Clare Wood, who was murdered by her ex-boyfriend in Salford in February 2009.
Detective Chief Superintendent Jardine, added: “Always dial 999 where there is a threat to someone’s life or a crime in progress. As a police force we take all reports seriously and will act on the intelligence we receive. By encouraging reporting we can reduce the number of incidents of domestic abuse and can save lives. Remember if you see it, if you hear it, speak out and help end the fear.” Greater Manchester Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd said: “Christmas is a time of joy and celebration, but sadly for too many this is a season of fear. But we all have a responsibility in tackling domestic abuse - a crime that has devastating impact on victims and their families. “Victims of domestic abuse are more likely to confide in a friend or relative, rather than go to the police, and as families and friends come together this Christmas, you may be that person a loved one confides in. You might not think you can help - but you can. You can report it to the police even if they are too afraid to - police will act on that information and take steps to protect victims. You can also access help and advice on how to support your loved one by visiting endthefear.co.uk or calling the domestic abuse helpline.” For more information to report abuse contact police on 101 or the Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0161 636 7525. You can also visit the GMP website for further details www.gmp.police.uk/domesticabuse .