The Safer Cornwall partnership has made fresh calls for all residents to help end domestic abuse and sexual violence in our communities.
People can do this by calling out sexism and misogyny when they witness it, and by reporting abusers to the police.
The plea comes after new statistics reveal sexual offences in Cornwall have risen by 40% over the past four years with 1,700 reported to police in the year up to May 2024. This equates to more than 30 a week.
Each year 10,000 reports of domestic abuse are made and since 2020 eight Cornwall women have been killed by men who were either their current or former partner, or a family member.
A further six women, who were victims of domestic abuse, took their own lives, and another five deaths - also linked to domestic abuse – are likely to be determined as suicides pending an inquest.
Of the 22 domestic abuse related death reviews commissioned in Cornwall since 2020, 19 involve a female victim.
Reports of domestic abuse and sexual violence continue to increase year-on-year and it is estimated that one in three women in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly will be affected during their lifetime.
The true figure is likely to be far higher too as many incidents go unreported to police.
A new report by the National Police Chiefs' Council and College of Policing describes VAWG (Violence Against Women and Girls) as a ‘national emergency’ with an ‘epidemic scale of offending’.
Cllr Carol Mould, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, including community safety and the Safer Cornwall partnership, said:
“Abuse thrives in silence and becomes normal when it goes unchecked and unnoticed.
“This is why we are calling on everyone across our communities to stand united with us on this issue, help us raise awareness and support our ambition for change.
“It is all of our responsibility to report abuse and call out patriarchy, sexism and misogyny when we witness it. Please help us to end domestic abuse and sexual violence in Cornwall – this can only happen if we work together.”
Detective Chief Superintendent Sheon Sturland, Head of Crime and Protecting Vulnerable People for Devon & Cornwall Police, said:
“All women deserve to feel safe in their communities, but sadly that’s not always been the case - it’s why tackling violence against women and girls is now a national policing priority.
“Sadly a large number of offences committed against women and girls still go unreported. I would strongly encourage anyone who has been a victim to come forward and speak to us. I can assure all women and girls in our communities that we will thoroughly investigate and offer them as much help and support as we can.”
Detective Superintendent Nicky Seager, Force lead for Violence Against Women & Girls, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence, said:
“Devon & Cornwall Police are fully committed to tackling the issue, working together with our partners to break the cycle.
“We remain focused on delivering an improved service, ensuring victims are supported and feel confident that police will take action to pursue those responsible for these devasting crimes.”
Cllr Thalia Marrington, Chair of Cornwall Council’s Working Group on Violence Against Women and Girls, added:
“Ending domestic abuse and sexual violence is everyone’s business and we must all play our part in making this a reality.
“Last year we published our joint five-year partnership strategy for putting a stop to violence against women and girls in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly and we now need every resident to help us achieve this goal.”
Both the VAWG strategy and the Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (DASV) strategy aim to tackle root causes of abuse through education, awareness and early identification and support.
Work involves campaigning to promote better knowledge and understanding of abuse and support healthy relationships, and to tackle the attitudes and beliefs that underpin DASV and VAWG, through:
- Prevention and education
- More support for survivors and better access to it
- Holding those who engage in abusive behaviour to account and supporting them to change
- More collaboration between organisations to share knowledge and expertise
- Raising awareness so people in our communities are better informed and can spot the signs of abuse
If you think you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse call Safer Futures on 0300 777 4777.
If you or someone you know has been raped or sexually assaulted call 0300 303 4626.
Always call 999 if you or someone else is at immediate risk of harm.
More information can be found here on the Safer Cornwall website.
Press release issued on August 12, 2024.
