POLICE officers throughout West Mercia have thrown their support behind the 16 days of action against domestic violence.

Speaking on Monday, November 25 – International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women – West Mercia’s police and crime commissioner, Bill Longmore, said he considered domestic abuse to be an important issue.

“Tackling domestic abuse is one of my key priorities,” he said. “I am working closely with the police, councils, community safety partnerships, health and the voluntary sector to protect the most vulnerable people in our society, including those suffering domestic abuse.

“So far I have been extremely impressed by the dedication and the professionalism of the people I have met and I am encouraged that, if we all work together, we can continue to protect those most at risk and prosecute those who commit such crimes.”

It is estimated that one in four women will suffer from domestic abuse in their lifetime. Domestic abuse can be physiological, sexual, financial or emotional as well as physical.

Although physical violence can be involved, it may also take the form of controlling access to finances or family, verbal abuse or control.

Head of West Mercia and Warwickshire police’s protecting vulnerable people unit, Superintendent Steve Cullen, urged anyone who has been affected by domestic abuse to contact police or other support agencies.

He said: “We have a clear message for perpetrators of domestic abuse too – abusing your partner will not be tolerated. Throughout this period Warwickshire police and West Mercia police officers will have an enhanced focus to ensure that positive action is taken against perpetrators of domestic abuse.

“We would like to say to perpetrators that you are not in control. If you continue to abuse your partner, your relationship and family could break down. You could lose the right to see your children and you could be evicted from your home. If you commit an offence you could go to jail.

“We will be using social media to tweet our support of partnership events and to publicise as much good news as possible about events and positive action taken by officers such as arrests, charges, and sentences as we want to deter perpetrators and increase the confidence of victims of domestic abuse to seek help.”

Since the start of the campaign, more than 650 people have pledged to help end domestic violence at the campaign’s website.

To add your pledge, visit whiteribboncampaign.co.uk/worcestershire.

More information about domestic abuse is available for victims, perpetrators, friends and family, and young people on talk2some one.org.uk.