Domestic Abuse Hate Crime

If you are suffering physical, sexual, emotional or financial abuse, or are being threatened or intimidated by a current or previous partner, you are victim of domestic abuse. You maybe feeling frightened, isolated, ashamed and confused but you are not alone and above all, you do not have to suffer in silence; help is available.

In many cultures it can be difficult to report domestic abuse. However, domestic abuse occurs in all faiths and all religions. The police are very aware of this and will be sensitive and respectful to your needs and concerns.

How to report it?

• Contact your local police station.
• Use a third party: contact one of the many local agencies in your area who work with the police
• Many police forces have ‘Domestic Violence Officers’ who are trained in domestic abuse. They may be able to offer you guidance and support

Forced Marriage

What is forced marriage? ‘A marriage conducted without the valid consent of one or both parties where duress is a factor’

Universal declaration of Human Rights states than ‘marriage shall be entered into only with the free and full consent of the intending spouse’.

Are you worried about being forced into a marriage, either in the UK or abroad, or have you been forced to marry against your will?

• No-one has the right to force an individual to marry
• No major world faith condones forced marriage
• You have the right to choose whom you marry
• Forced marriage affects both males and females

If someone is trying to force you to marry; or you have been forced into a marriage against your will, they may have broken the law in the UK and in other countries. Further support and advice is available from the police and other agencies.

Report It

If you or anyone you know is suffering abuse, you can contact us by ringing your local police station 08452 777 444 or by dialling 999 in an emergency.

• Our fist priority is to ensure the safety and the well-being of you and any children
• You will be dealt with sympathetically, professionally and spoken to separately from the person responsible for the abuse
• To protect you, we will take firm and positive action against your abuser
• If necessary we can arrange a place of safety for you and any children

We take ALL incidents seriously!