Charity Warns Domestic Abuse Victims to Seek Help
22 December 2009
The chief executive of a north east telephone advice service says numbers of domestic abuse cases could increase as temperatures plummet this winter.
Liz Chadwick, chief executive of DAWN Advice, said seasonal issues such as excessive alcohol consumption and money worries are all major triggers in domestic abuse cases.
She said the freezing conditions have forced people to spend more time indoors, making the problem worse, and urged the region's victims of domestic violence to seek help.
She said: "The festive season is supposed to be a happy and joyous time for families, however sometimes the immense pressures of Christmas can be all too much and we see a sharp increase in domestic violence rates throughout December and January.
"Anyone who has suffered domestic abuse over the Christmas holidays shouldn't feel they need to suffer alone and should seek help immediately. Through our family law team victims can access invaluable legal advice to help them change their situation."
DAWN Advice's family law solicitors meet clients on an emergency basis and offers advice on their available options, including court protection. If necessary an application for a Non Molestation Order will be made to the court to prevent abusers from pestering, harassing or intimidating their victims.
Liz added: "Domestic abuse is often hidden and victims can feel embarrassed or ashamed, however anyone can find themselves a victim of abuse and they need to know where to turn. National statistics state that while one in four women experience domestic violence, so do one in six men. By contacting us victims are making the important first step to improve their situation."
To further support families facing domestic abuse, DAWN Advice works closely with a number of partner organisations, including Cease 24, Women's Health Advice Centre, sixtyeightythirty, Citizens Advice Bureau and the Domestic Violence Team at Northumbria Police, to ensure victims receive appropriate emotional support as well as legal help.
Based in North East England, DAWN Advice offers free, confidential and independent advice to people across the region and nationally on issues relating to housing, debt, employment, welfare benefits and family law.
Established in 1998, DAWN Advice is a social enterprise and a member of the UK's largest network of free, advice-providing organisations, adviceuk and will now become a Member of the National Association of Citizen's Advice Bureau.
Domestic abuse can take several forms, ranging from physical and sexual to economical and emotional abuse. Anyone concerned about domestic violence or has become a victim should contact the Family Law Team at DAWN Advice on 01670 785512.