THE thin blue line is putting their weight behind International White Ribbon Day (November 25) – a campaign where men are asked to make a pledge against domestic abuse and wear a white ribbon in support.
West Mercia Police is raising awareness about domestic abuse and coercive, controlling behaviour on White Ribbon Day, so that men and women who are suffering, know how and where to seek advice and support.
Coercive behaviour is an act or a pattern of acts of assault, threats, humiliation, intimidation or other abuse that is used to harm, punish or frighten someone.
It can include the abuser preventing their partner or family member from having friendships or hobbies, humiliating or intimidating them, refusing them access to money and determining many aspects of their everyday life, such as when they are allowed to eat and sleep.
The message is – coercive control is domestic abuse.
Detective Chief Inspector Vikki Reay said: “The nature of the controlling or coercive behaviour offence is that it may be difficult for victims to report their abuse to the police as they may not realise it is a crime, or feel frightened of the consequences if they do.
“Domestic abuse is a largely hidden problem which can take many forms. Campaigns such as White Ribbon Day create awareness of this kind of abuse that many find difficult to speak out about.
“My message to victims is clear – if you feel you are a victim of this kind of controlling or coercive behaviour, or any other kind of domestic abuse, then please come forward and we will do everything we can with partner agencies, to support you.”
The force works closely with West Mercia Domestic Violence and Abuse Support Line where people can get more information about the support, help advice and safety planning. This service is confidential and free from landlines.
For Redditch the number is 0800 980 3331.
The campaign has also been backed by Redditch borough council leader Bill Hartnett and local MP Karen Lumley.
Coun Hartnett has also appeared in a video promoting the campaign at https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=redditch%20borough%20council.
Meanwhile Mrs Lumley said: ““Domestic violence is abhorrent. I will be pledging my support to this campaign and hope many Redditch residents will join me over the sixteen days of activism. The White Ribbon campaign is a chance for everyone to show their support for survivors of domestic violence and make their voices heard in condoning domestic violence.”
Residents can also visit https://westmercia.police.uk/article/5973/Domestic-violence-and-abuse call the police on 101, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, in an emergency, always call 999.
