Abuse Behind Closed Doors in Devon

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Devon police dealt with almost 9,000 reports of domestic violence in the county over the past 12 months.

It's Domestic Abuse Awareness Week  and we're being asked if we would recognise the tell-tale signs of abuse.

A campaign's been launched by police and partner agencies to highlight some of the lesser known signs of abuse and to encourage those at risk – or their friends, family and colleagues - to notice the warning signs and seek help. 

It's reckoned there are around 30,000 victims in Devon but only 5,000 have made themselves known and are getting help.

Rachel Martin from Against Domestic Violence and Abuse in Devon says it usually takes about five years of abuse before the victim will ask for help. 

“With one person in four suffering domestic abuse at some time in their lives, it is vital that there is an increased awareness of the early warning signs to ensure that help can be sought, both for the victim and the perpetrator, before the abuse gets out of hand.
“We sincerely hope that this year’s campaign will give people the confidence to call for help, even if they just have a niggling suspicion that something isn’t right. Tragically, there are still too many domestic abuse cases here in the region that ends in serious injury and even death.”  

 But she says attitudes have changed and the subject is being talked about and addressed but there are still too many women, and men, suffering in silence. 

To hear more from Rachel CLICK HERE

Today we're looking at how  ISOLATION is often used as a way of keeping control of a victim.

Christen Fritsch is part of Stop Abuse for All.  She explains more  CLICK HERE