Campaign warns revellers - don't ruin your Christmas

While it is only a small minority of people who commit such offences, statistics show an increase in reports of alcohol-related violence over the Christmas period.

'It's Never Ok' will launch on Friday 16th December and will promote two key messages including: Violent Night - encouraging night-time revellers not to get too drunk and commit alcohol related violence and Season's Beatings - preventing incidents of domestic violence by challenging the behaviour of the perpetrator and encouraging victims to report their abuse.

This year's campaign will show the significant effects alcohol can have on you and to raise awareness of domestic violence. Striking posters with the campaign messages will be displayed across the district in pubs, off licenses and fast food outlets.

Messages for the alcohol-related violence element (Violent Night) include: Are you pretty, stylish, confident.....and out of control after a glass or two? Bar staff and door staff will wear large pin badges and t-shirts in support of the campaign. Various fast food outlets will also be placing stickers on fast food packaging.

Revellers are being encouraged to contact Adsis on 0844 561 7079 if they feel they have a problem with their drinking.

Messages for the domestic violence element (Season's Beatings) include: Are you the BIG MAN, the provider, the daddy....and the one your partner's afraid of? And Are you loving, caring, always there.....and scared of what they will do next? Taxi Wardens will hand out small flyers to males as they get into their taxi at the end of the night and help cards will be distributed by the Council's housing team to its vulnerable tenants.

Perpetrators are being encouraged to call Respect on 0808 802 4040 if they think their behaviour is abusive and victims are being urged to ring Staffordshire Women's Aid on 0870 2700 123 to report their abuse.

Cllr George Adamson, Leader of the Council, said:

"Alcohol-related violence is completely unacceptable at any time of the year, and tackling this issue is one of the top priorities for the Council and the police.

The Council works in partnership with the police and other partner agencies to keep our town centres safe places to enjoy a night out. However, not only can alcohol related violence take place on our streets, it often happens behind closed doors. Unfortunately, the festive season is often a very difficult time for people living in violent households.

We want our campaign to send a strong message that 'It's Never Ok' to commit any type of alcohol-related violence and it will not be tolerated. We are strongly urging those people that become victims to report it".

Chief Inspector Carl Ratcliffe, Commander of Cannock Chase District Local Policing Team, said:

"Our focus is to keep the district of Cannock Chase a safe place for all to enjoy. This campaign is aimed at the small minority of people who can, on occasion, become involved in violence whilst under the influence of alcohol. This can in turn have serious repercussions for them, their families and a devastating affect on victims and other members of the community".

Wes Southall, Risk Reduction Officer, Staffordshire Fire & Rescue Service, said:

"We are supporting this campaign with a focus on domestic fires as there has been an increase across the district over the last 3 to 4 months.

"We are urging residents to prepare a snack before they go out rather than attempting any cooking when under the influence of alcohol".

The campaign is being funded by Chase Community Safety Partnership and will be developed further for other seasonal campaigns.

Partners including Staffordshire Police, Council staff and firefighters from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service will be in Rugeley and Cannock Town Centres this weekend handing out candy canes and wishing all of you a happy and safe Christmas.  Volunteers from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service will also be supporting the delivery of this campaign.

The fire officers will also be promoting a campaign focusing on fires associated with alcohol consumption.

If you would like further information about the 'It's Never Ok' campaign contact Kerry Wright, Senior Partnerships Officer on 01543 464368.