Domestic abuse helplines at Rochdale A&E

Date published: 22/12/2006

Rochdale Interagency Domestic Violence Forum, Rochdale Infirmary and Rochdale Safer Communities Partnership have joined forces with Greater Manchester Police (GMP) to set up helplines for domestic abuse victims.

The two free-phone helplines will be installed in the women's washroom at Rochdale A amp; E on Friday 29 December 2006, and will connect directly to the national domestic violence 24-hour helpline.  

The scheme is part of GMP’s Operation Mistletoe, which was launched across the county to protect and support victims of abuse, and to bring offenders to justice.

Domestic abuse affects people from all backgrounds and of all ages, race and class.  Every minute in the UK, a call is made to the police in relation to domestic abuse, and in Rochdale there are on average 5,000 incidents reported every year.

Although alcohol acts as a trigger for some abusers, the underlying cause of the problem is a craving for power and control.

Rochdale Interagency Domestic Violence Forum Co-ordinator, Kerry Reddy, said: "Victims are often not aware of the options available to them whilst enduring domestic abuse, but there are a number of agencies who can help.

"We have put the handsets in the toilets as abusers often attend A amp; E with the victim, making reporting the problem more difficult.

"These helplines will therefore give victims a chance to get help when they most need it, and could potentially save lives in future."

Chairman of the Domestic Violence Strategic Working Group and Divisional Commander for Rochdale, David Hull, added: "Whilst the majority of people will be enjoying the festive season, for some women Christmas can be a terrible time.

"The helplines at Rochdale Infirmary are another means for women suffering domestic abuse to put an end to it by accessing relevant information and advice.

"Greater Manchester Police fully supports this initiative and will continue to work in partnership with other agencies to stamp out domestic abuse."

Rochdale Interagency Domestic Violence Forum is asking people to hand in their old mobile phones with charges, so they can be used by women experiencing domestic abuse.  

The phones can be dropped off at any customer service office in Rochdale (call Rochdale Council on 01706 647 474 to find the nearest one), at the Rochdale homeless section or by contacting the Domestic Violence Forum on 01706 718 923.

Anyone affected by domestic abuse should contact the helplines and web sites listed below:

Helplines

• 0808 2000 247 - Freephone 24-hour National Domestic Violence Helpline, run in partnership between Women's Aid and Refuge
• 0161 636 7525 - Manchester Domestic Violence Helpline
• 01706 718 923 - Rochdale Domestic Violence Forum
• 0161 856 8069 – Greater Manchester Police Domestic Abuse Unit
• 0800 1111 – Childline

However, in an emergency please dial 999. 

Web sites

• www.riadvf.org
• www.womensaid.org.uk
• www.thehideout.org (children's web site)
• www.missdorothy.com (children's web site including information on forced marriage)