Residents across Liverpool are still coming to terms with a new way of life brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.
But in these days of social distancing and isolation, the message to victims of domestic abuse across the city remains the same – you are not alone.
Partners including Merseyside Police and Liverpool City Council want everyone to know that support is always available for those suffering abuse at the hands of a family member, partner or spouse.
And even in these unprecedented times, what goes on behind close doors does not have to stay there – and abuse of any kind simply won’t be tolerated.
Domestic abuse can take many forms, not solely physical violence. It can be mental torture and controlling or coercive behaviour.
Whatever form it takes, the police, council and other partners are continuing to work together to make sure that essential services and contacts for anyone affected by domestic abuse during the weeks and months ahead remain in place.
Detective Chief Inspector Bev Hyland is from Merseyside Police’s Protecting Vulnerable People Unit and her message is clear.
“I want to reassure anyone who is a victim of domestic abuse in the home that we are still here for you,” said Chief Insp Hyland. “Whatever the situation in the country, we will keep our support available and continue to have specially trained officers ready to listen to you, treat you with compassion and respect and investigate any allegations of abuse thoroughly.”
Chief Insp Hyland also urged community members who are aware of incidents to domestic violence to ‘break the silence and help those in need’.
She said: “We know that many people are aware offences are being committed in their neighbourhood or against people they know, but remain silent. I want to encourage those people to do the right thing and come forward so we can take action and help those who need it and those who may not be able to help themselves.”
Cllr Liz Parsons, who is Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Partnerships, said: “Domestic abuse will always be unacceptable – no matter how unusual and worrying the times we face appear to be.”
“If you are suffering, we would urge you to come forward and speak out. If you know someone who is a victim of domestic violence. It is only by working together that we can tackle the scourge of domestic violence and rid our city of it once and for all.”
- If you or a child are at immediate risk of harm, you should contact the police urgently by calling 999.
- If you have any non-urgent information on domestic abuse – if you are a victim or believe someone you know is a victim – you can contact direct message @MerPolCC on Twitter, ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ on Facebook, call 101 or contact @CrimestoppersUK, anonymously on 0800 555 111.
- You can also call the free National Domestic Abuse helpline on 0808 2000 247.
