Don’t Suffer in Silence
Support is available for people suffering domestic abuse across the county.
Cumbria Constabulary and the county’s Police and Crime Commissioner Peter McCall are urging people to people who are suffering domestic abuse or know someone who is to contact the Victim Support helpline.
If it is difficult to pick up a phone, people can contact Victim Support through its Live Chat service between 9am – 6pm or, 24/7, or on the support line 08 08 16 89 111.
Mr McCall said: “I urge anyone experiencing domestic abuse to get in touch with the support services available in the county and nationally, you will be heard, you will be listened to and you will be supported.
“We have not experienced a recorded rise in domestic abuse over the last few weeks and I hope this reflects reality. It would be naive not to consider there may be unreported cases and one case is one too many.
“Victims of domestic abuse need to know how and where they can access local support during isolation as the lockdown around COVID-19 continues.
Detective Chief Inspector Dan St Quintin said: “Domestic abuse is likely to have increased during the lockdown phase that has rightly been implemented.
“My concern is that domestic abuse has become more hidden and it is not being reported.
“My clear message to everyone is that for Cumbria Constabulary, it is business as usual for domestic abuse. Regardless of Coronavirus, domestic abuse will always remain a key priority.”
