Published: Wednesday 08th February 2023 | 5.01pm
Valentine’s Day should be about celebrating the love and affection between a couple. This will not be the case for some men and women living in Cannock Chase District this Valentine’s Day.
For some men and women, this Valentine’s will just be like any other day.
Cannock Chase Council has joined forces again with Staffordshire Police and New Era Domestic Abuse Service for Staffordshire to raise awareness of domestic abuse.
Across Cannock Chase District reports of domestic abuse predominantly involve a female victim; however, men can suffer domestic abuse too. Male abuse is extremely under reported.
The campaign named ‘Valentine’s is just another day….’ is part of a wider initiative - It’s Never OK that aims to reduce the number of domestic and sexual violence incidents as well as encouraging victims, both men and women to report their abuse.
The Valentine’s campaign portrays images based around love and romantic poetry but with the addition of a shocking twist. This has been represented using a blooded red rose with a sinister greeting card.
Like last year, the campaign will also highlight key messages for young people around dating abuse and focus on the different types of abuse an individual may experience.
Campaign messages will be promoted using online advertising via the Council’s website and social media platforms. Posters will also be displayed in key locations across the District.
The campaign encourages victims, individuals and families who have concerns to report abuse and get support from New Era’s Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent 24-hour confidential helpline on 0300 303 3778 or access their 24/7 live chat facility at www.new-era.uk
The campaign also encourages perpetrators of domestic abuse to get help from New Era Domestic Abuse Service on 01785 904770, an organisation which offers specialist domestic violence prevention services.
A full list of domestic abuse support services is available to access from the Council’s website.
Councillor Bryan Jones, Portfolio Leader for Community Safety & Partnerships said: “Domestic abuse is completely unacceptable at any time of the year, and tackling this issue is one of the top priorities for the Council.
“Often victims of domestic abuse suffer in silence. We want to raise awareness of this issue and let residents know that advice and support is available to get victims and offenders the help they need.
“This campaign sends out an extremely strong message that we need to act now to prevent domestic abuse. It’s never ok and there is no excuse that is acceptable”.
Chief Inspector Laura Morrey, of the Cannock local policing team (LPT), said: “Investigating domestic abuse and supporting victims remains one of the force’s key priorities.
“We understand that reporting it can be incredibly difficult and challenging - but we want victims to know that they can speak to specially-trained officers in confidence who can bring perpetrators to justice.
“We’re continuing to work closely with our partners at Cannock Chase Council to ensure those experiencing domestic abuse are given the best support and safeguarding needed in order to encourage further reporting.
“Abuse is not love and we are committed to putting a stop to those responsible.”
This forms part of the Council’s wider safeguarding campaign. ‘See something, Say something’, which aims to encourage people to report any concerns they may have about an individual or group. It is supported by the Staffordshire Commissioner’s Locality Deal Fund.