Change The Story campaign

Hello

We are working with partners and the local community to tackle domestic abuse as part of our ‘Change the story’ campaign this Christmas.

The campaign, which launches today (Monday 15 December), sees us work with our partners – including New Era, which offers a range of support for people affected by domestic abuse – to provide help to anyone impacted by this type of crime.

We know that nationally, this type of abuse increases during the festive period, though we recognise that it affects people on a daily basis, regardless of the time of year.

Women, men and children are all impacted by domestic abuse, which also has wider implications for families and our communities.

As part of the campaign, we will be sharing some of the stories of those affected.

In one such case, a woman was subjected to a prolonged period of abuse by a former partner.

The violence began in late 2023, with damage first made to a door of a property. The abuse escalated, with the victim being slapped, punched and strangled. She was also bitten on the ear and dragged by the hair during an assault. When the victim came forward to report this to us, she then revealed previous instances of abuse which had seen her suffer facial injuries, a fractured rib and fractures to her leg.

Despite a court order banning him from contacting her, the perpetrator continued to send messages to the victim and shout abuse at her in public places, as well as throw her to the ground. He also smashed a window at her property.

After the offender was arrested, he replied no comment at interview, before admitting the offences in court. He was jailed in October for more than seven years.

Sergeant Felicity Bownds, who worked on the case, said: “I’d like to commend the victim in this case in reporting the abuse she suffered and for supporting our investigation.

“I hope this shows other victims of violence, abuse and intimidation that we are here for you and we are determined to keep acting robustly against those responsible for harm in our communities.”

Since October 2023, New Era’s victim service has supported more than 10,000 adult victims of domestic abuse and over 2,000 children. Helping those who wish to change their abusive behaviour, New Era’s behaviour change service has also worked with over 700 adults and more than 260 children in the last two years.

Staffordshire Police, Fire & Rescue and Crime Commissioner, Ben Adams, said: “Domestic abuse can escalate over the Christmas period for many reasons including financial pressures, alcohol consumption and increase of social events.

“Victims can find it incredibly difficult to reach out for support and its important they know that help is always available to them, whenever they need it most. 

“Additionally, for those looking to change their inappropriate attitudes and behaviours, specialist services are also available to help them to change.

“The New Era domestic abuse service, provided under a commissioned arrangement led by my office in conjunction with Stoke-on-Trent City Council and Staffordshire County Council, provides both a victim service and a behaviour change service for adults and children.”

For information on the different support services available across Staffordshire, including New Era’s victim service, New Era’s behaviour change service, Glow, Pathway Project and Staffordshire Women’s Aid, visit: Support organisations for victims of domestic violence | Staffordshire Police.