Domestic Abuse chats continue to help residents across the county

The successful Cheshire Constabulary Domestic Abuse Q&A sessions have already helped many people across the county with their questions about domestic abuse.

The next webchat is scheduled for 2pm on Wednesday 19 January 2022.

The online webchats are part of the Constabulary’s ‘Open the Door’ campaign, encouraging people to start a conversation about domestic abuse, and break the taboo that leads to victims remaining silent.

Questions asked by the public are anonymised and answered by a Police Officer who specialises in domestic abuse, and representatives from Cheshire CARES, who provide support for survivors of domestic abuse, alongside representatives from the local authority and other organisations who have the common aim of helping survivors.

John Dwyer, Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, said: “These domestic abuse chats are a fantastic outlet for anyone who has any queries about domestic abuse.

“You could want specific advice on the subject or want to ask about the warning signs in someone’s behaviour. The experts answer questions thoroughly and will provide the best support possible.

“I made it clear in my Police and Crime Plan that I wanted to deliver justice for victims of crime and improve our offering to victims, including survivors of domestic abuse. I know it can be difficult to reach out and ask for help, but having these chats regularly helps us to reach those people who may not feel confident seeking help at a police station or a domestic abuse charity.”

Recently, it was announced that the reporting requirements for domestic abuse would change, giving survivors more time to seek justice and report issues to the police.

Under the current legislation, survivors of domestic abuse who report common assault or battery to the police have six months from the date of the offence to begin prosecution. An Amendment tabled to the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts bill would take the time period to two years, ensuring survivors have enough time to seek justice and hold perpetrators accountable.

John Dwyer added: “These changes demonstrate how seriously domestic abuse is being taken. By increasing the time in which prosecutions can be made, it can help deliver justice for those who have experienced domestic abuse but don’t feel able to immediately report it. This will help me and the Constabulary achieve my priority of delivering justice for victims.”

The next Domestic Abuse webchat takes place on Wednesday 19 January 2022 from 2pm-3pm. To find out more information visit Cheshire Police’s Facebook events page:

https://www.facebook.com/cheshirepolice/events/?ref=page_internal

Pictured - John Dwyer, Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire.