Don't Walk on Egg Shells this Easter

People stuck in abusive relationships in Suffolk are being told how they can get more help and advice this Easter.

Police are launching a campaign as lots of people spend more time with their families over the long Easter Weekend.

Posters with the message ‘Happy Easter? Or will they be walking on eggshells, again!’, featuring an Easter Egg family, are being put up around the area to try and get people stuck in abusive relationships to think about the impact the abuse can have, particularly on any children in the family.

Detective Inspector Terry Jones says it is time to think about the effect the abuse – whether verbal or physical – is having on you and your family.

“It can be daunting to consider leaving a partner for many reasons. It could be a financial consideration – such as ‘I live in a nice home with nice things, if I leave I’ll have nothing’ or you may have debts and feel moving out would make things even more complicated  - or an emotional reason but either way we would ask people to consider what they are putting up with for the trade off.

“If you have children have you thought of the harm your abusive relationship is doing to them? We want parents to consider the impact the abuse is having on their sons or daughters who may be witnessing verbal or violent attacks on a daily basis. Recent figures show that in 40%-50% of all incidents reported to the police, children were living in the household.  With the school holidays children may be home more often, although they are also harmed even if they do not directly see or hear the abuse.

“We recognise that it is not always easy for those in abusive relationships to seek help, but Suffolk Constabulary and its partner agencies are trying to get the ‘Break the Pattern’ message out to those who may need help. Advice and assistance is just a click or a phone call away - visit www.breakthepattern.org.uk or telephone 0800 783 5121 or you can contact your local Suffolk Police Victim Care Centre on 01473 613500.”