- Domestic violence charity My CWA (Cheshire Without Abuse), Cheshire East Council, Cheshire Constabulary, the Cheshire Police and Crime Inspector and other organizations hosted a virtual conference on White Ribbon Day to address the growing problem of domestic violence in the county to discuss
- Cheshire East Domestic Abuse Hub has seen a 36% increase in domestic violence cases and a 48% increase in men seeking support since last year
- My CWA CEO is calling for urgent support as energy bills in shelters and all aid centers are set to increase by 60% while demand for services hits an all-time high
Cheshire, UK – December 09, 2022 – Cheshire-based charity My CWA (formerly Cheshire Without Abuse) and organizations such as Cheshire East Council, Cheshire Constabulary and the Police & Crime Commissioner for Cheshire hosted White Ribbon Day (25 November) – also known as International Day for the Eradication – a virtual conference of violence against women – to discuss the growing problem of domestic abuse in the county.
Since November 2021, calls to the Cheshire East Domestic Abuse Hub have increased by 36%, with a 48% increase in male referrals. As cases mount, My CWA is calling for support from MPs and local communities as energy bills at aid centers and shelters are significantly higher than usual and projected to rise by 60%.
Saskia Lightburn-Ritchie, Managing Director of My CWA, comments: “Domestic violence affects far more people than many realize – one in four women and one in six men will be affected at some point in their lives. In the past year, we have helped nearly 3,000 adults and children affected by domestic violence. Unfortunately, that number is probably only a fraction of those affected, especially considering that domestic violence remains one of the least likely crimes to be reported to the police.
“My CWA was established 45 years ago and every year more and more individuals and families come to us for help. We are constantly short of resources and with energy costs continuing to rise, we urgently need funding and support to ensure we can continue to help those in need.”
During the White Ribbon Day conference, the Cheshire Constabulary pledged positive action to resolve the issue – particularly given the expected spike in cases during the FIFA World Cup. Tactics include increased patrolling officers in busy night areas and “safe room” security vehicles to help those who feel vulnerable.
Mark Roberts, Chief Constable, Cheshire ConstabularyShe comments: “One of the unfortunate by-products of major sporting events like the World Cup is that we often see an increase in domestic violence. We have many plans to deal with this issue, both nationally and locally in Cheshire, to ensure we support victims of domestic violence while also taking positive action against offenders.
“We recognize how often a victim will experience domestic violence in their own home before they actually turn to us for support. We believe it’s important that when they come forward, we take the opportunity to reassure the victim that we take their situation seriously and make sure the perpetrators are aware that their actions will have consequences. Victims of domestic violence have an absolute guarantee from me and the Cheshire Constabulary that domestic violence remains a priority and we are committed to doing all we can to support them.
“While raising awareness of the issue is important, most important is that the Cheshire Constabulary commits 365 days a year to taking affirmative action when domestic abuse is reported. We do this in different ways, but I doubt there is any other force in the country that matches the Cheshire Constabulary’s relentless focus on tackling domestic violence.”
Cheshire Constabulary and My CWA have also teamed up to offer a revolutionary new child custody scheme aimed at preventing a recurrence of domestic violence – believed to be one of the first in the UK. Those arrested for domestic violence in Chester, Middlewich and Runcorn are offered emotion management tools and behavior change programs from domestic violence specialists at My CWA.
John Dwyer, Cheshire Police and Detective Superintendent commented, “White Ribbon Day allows us to join thousands of other people across the country to stand up, speak out and say no to violence against women. I’m proud to have secured over £800,000 this year to support exciting prison and community interventions being driven by My CWA and Cheshire Constabulary.
“I see firsthand the impact of innovative initiatives like the Custody Suite program – with a high level of engagement and increasing references to behavior change programs. So significant is this impact that I have secured £352,000 each year for the next two years to continue and build on these initiatives to tackle the root cause of domestic violence and prevent offenders from re-offending.
“I promise to continue to listen to victims of domestic violence and ensure I help design services that address their needs. I will continue to work with the Chief Constable to ensure that justice for victims is of the highest standard and that victims are kept informed and updated at all times. Although the majority of victims of domestic violence are women, I will continue to challenge the myth that they are responsible for all victims and ensure all victims can be supported.”
Councilor Kathryn Flavell, Senior Member for Children and Families at Cheshire East Councilcomments: “In the last year alone the Cheshire East Domestic Violence Center received over 2,800 referrals from people in need of support – that’s over seven families or individuals referred to us every day.
“Domestic abuse is a very real and growing problem and I believe it is our individual and collective responsibility as a community to stand up against abuse and support the White Ribbon Day movement. I urge everyone to support our 16-day campaign on social media, spread the word, and help our communities with information and support.
“Domestic violence concerns us all, and only by working together can we hope to evolve our understanding, approach and response in ways that enhance everyone’s safety and life chances.”
White Ribbon Day (25th November) was the first day of a 16-day campaign of action highlighting various issues and issues surrounding domestic violence to raise awareness.
Topics to be addressed by My CWA and partners include: recognizing the warning signs, having difficult conversations with someone you suspect is a victim of abuse, and raising the issue among young people; all with the aim of raising awareness, stimulating discussion and providing a channel of support for those who may need it.
Follow My CWA on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn to learn more.
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