Crime-fighting charity Sussex Crimestoppers, together with Sussex Police, West Sussex County Council and Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club, launched a campaign on Valentine’s Day at the AMEX stadium which aims to increase anonymous third party information relating to incidents of domestic abuse in Sussex [14 February 2012].

Following on from a successful campaign involving the Metropolitan Police in London, the local charity has created an innovative campaign designed to reach out to friends, neighbours and colleagues of victims of domestic abuse to encourage these third parties to contact Crimestoppers anonymously if they suspect domestic abuse is occurring.

The campaign will consist of radio appeals and promotional storyboards highlighting anonymous third party reporting.

Contact Crimestoppers anonymously

Kathy Burke, Sussex Crimestoppers’ Chair, said: “On Valentine’s Day we normally think about our loved ones. This year we are asking you to think about those people, men and women, who are physically and mentally abused by someone they love and trust, something which is hard for most people to imagine.

"We also need to consider the impact of domestic abuse on the children living within these families.

“Domestic abuse is one of the most harrowing crimes and these perpetrators must be brought to justice. If you know of anyone that is being abused or you know who the perpetrator of the abuse is, please call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or give information on line at www.crimestoppers-uk.org, to pass on any information you may have.”

Trish Harrison, Domestic and Sexual Violence Manager, West Sussex County Council said: “People who experience domestic abuse  tell us they want the public to feel empowered to take action on their behalf and report incidents of domestic abuse.  Now through Crimestoppers, the public will have the option of doing this anonymously."

'Keeping vulnerable people safe'

DCC Giles York, Sussex Police, said: "Sussex Police is committed to working with our partners to build a framework of trust for victims of domestic abuse, where those abused can feel safe, supported and empowered to make significant, and often life-changing decisions.

"No one agency can achieve that in isolation, we all must work together, sharing information to maximise the chances of success. This new collaboration with Crimestoppers goes to the heart of that, and provides a means where everyone can contribute, even anonymously, to keep those more vulnerable people in our communities safe."

Martin Perry, Chief Executive, Brighton and Hove Football Club, said: “Domestic abuse is still seen as a private issue by many people, but in fact it is a crime.

"If you know someone who is suffering from domestic abuse or you know someone who is abusing someone you can give information to Crimestoppers anonymously. 

"We all play an important role in keeping victims of domestic abuse safe at no risk to your anonymity. We are delighted to support their efforts which are leading to real results to help the police.  If you have information on domestic abuse, you can help bring offenders to justice, and safety to the victim, by calling Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or giving information online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org."

-ENDS-

For further information on Sussex Crimestoppers contact Carolyn Randall, 01435 865822 or email Carolyn.randall@crimestoppers-uk.org.
To find out more about this or about how to become a Partner in the charity contact Carolyn Randall on 01435 865822 or email Carolyn.randall@crimestoppers-uk.org.

Notes to editors:-

Domestic violence – the statistics:

• Domestic violence accounts for 35% of all murders.
• A domestic violence victim will be beaten 35 times in the next year. 
• 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men is a victim of domestic violence. 
• 39% of domestic violence cases involve alcohol.
• Domestic violence has the highest rate of repeat victimisation.

Crimestoppers is an independent charity which helps the police to solve crimes by operating the 24/7 telephone number 0800 555 111 which people can ring to pass on information about crimes anonymously.