New campaign launched as 90% of children witness domestic abuse
A new campaign being launched in the North West has revealed that 90% of domestic abuse incidents are witnessed by children.
A new campaign being launched in the North West has revealed that 90% of domestic abuse incidents are witnessed by children.
The "Be a lover not a fighter" campaign has launched today and people in Lancashire are being asked to wear a badge to encourage people to speak out about domestic abuse.
The initiative is being backed by Lancashire's World Superbike Champion Carl Fogarty as well as other celebrities.
Shagufta Khan is the chief exec of Blackburn and Darwen District Without Abuse. She says that they come across many experiences of children who hear and see domestic abuse.
The organisation are also going into schools to teach kids what a healthy relationship is.
They're backing the launch of the "Be a lover not a fighter" campaign.
Lancashire County Councillor Julie Gibson, lead member for community safety, said: "We want to do all we can to put an end to domestic abuse across Lancashire, and the Be a Lover, Not A Fighter campaign will play an important part in this. The campaign is all about getting people to talk about domestic abuse, and aims to start conversations all over Lancashire about how it affects people and their families. We also want people who use social media to share the hearthands and logo to help spread the Be a Lover, Not a Fighter message.
"Abuse comes in all forms. It's not just physical violence it can be emotional too involving threatening or controlling behaviour. It can affect anyone, and has a particularly long-lasting effect on children and young people if they are victims of abuse or witness it. We want people to bring the issue out into the open so we can work together to tackle domestic abuse in our county for good."
Police and Crime Commissioner for Lancashire Clive Grunshaw, said: "Tackling domestic abuse is one of my key priorities and that involves raising awareness in society that this is an issue no one can afford to turn a blind eye to. We cannot ignore domestic abuse or claim it is not happening – stopping it requires society as a whole to stand against it. "Spreading that message is what the Be a Lover not a Fighter campaign is all about, and I am delighted to be able to support it. "I am proud to say that my office was awarded White Ribbon status in 2015 which demonstrates my continued commitment to ending domestic abuse. I will continue to raise awareness and to support the great work of domestic violence services across the county."
For more information about the campaign, where the engagement events are being held or to find out how you can pledge your support go to www.lovernotfighter.org.uk
For advice or support if you're suffering from domestic abuse or know someone who is, you can visit Blackburn and Darwen District Without Abuse here