Even though it’s Valentine’s Day, abuse still happens ...but we are going after the bullies
Police chief vows to protect and support victims
Renfrews h i re’s top domestic abuse cop has warned offenders there is no place to hide this Valentine’s Day.
Detective Inspector Tom Carty insists his team of specialist officers and their partners will do everything they can to protect and support victims from abusers.
Speaking at the launch of Police Scotland’s Ready When You Are campaign, aimed at those suffering domestic abuse, he says Valentine’s Day is about spending time with the people we love, but for some, it can another day of suffering.
He said: “Today is a day that many couples will be demonstrating their commitment to one another but sadly, many people will be suffering through another day of domestic abuse.
“And that is unacceptable.”
The campaign, which aims to dispel some of the myths around the way domestic abuse is treated by the police and other agencies, kicks off online today.
DI Carty said: “We want to promote the message that were are here for you, whenever you are ready. There are misconceptions around the statute of limitations for reporting domestic. We want to give you the message that, it may have been ten years ago or ten minutes ago, you can still report it to us.
“And if you don’t necessarily want to report it but would just like some advice then that is fine too. We can give you information about staying safe and we can also point you in the direction of our partner agencies who can help you.
“We work closely with Women’s Aid, Women and Children First, Barnardo’s, Mind Mosaic and ASSIST who we can sign post you to.”
The dedicated Domestic Abuse Unit works with a range of agencies to help tackle the scourge of domestic abuse.
“It is about giving people the confidence to come forward to speak to either ourselves or to one of our partners.
“You might not be strong enough or in a feel like you are in a position to come forward now but my message is we will be here when you,” added DI Carty
A video will be released today on Police Scotland’s Facebook and twitter feeds, explaining the services and support available to victims of domestic abuse.
DI Carty added: “We work with a number of agencies across the region. It is really the only way to tackle domestic abuse, using a collective approach and this campaign highlights how important that approach is.”