Sutton's Safer Neighbourhoods police officers will be distributing hundreds of posters across the borough over the next few days to highlight how victims of domestic violence can get help and support as part of an initiative to coincide with International Women's Day on Tuesday, 8 March.
The posters will feature the Borough's One Stop Shop where an Independent Domestic Violence Advocate from Victim Support is available with other professionals in this specialist field to provide victims with an opportunity to talk safely about their experiences and to receive advice, guidance and support.
The posters will feature the Borough's One Stop Shop where an Independent Domestic Violence Advocate from Victim Support is available with other professionals in this specialist field to provide victims with an opportunity to talk safely about their experiences and to receive advice, guidance and support.
The posters will be distributed in local pubs, clubs, GP surgeries, pharmacies, shops, supermarkets, community and bingo halls, leisure centres as well as coffee shops, betting shops and places of worship.
In addition, police officers at Sutton will be wearing white ribbons in support of the White Ribbon Campaign - with the white ribbon representing a symbol for men who have pledged their support to oppose violence against women.
Between 30-40% of Sutton's violent crime is domestic. It is estimated that one in four of all women are victims and that only 50% of victims, who are men as well as women, report offences.
If you are suffering from physical, sexual, psychological, emotional or financial abuse or are being threatened or intimidated by a current or previous partner or adult family member you are a victim of domestic abuse. Since the end of December 2015, controlling or coercive behaviour constitutes an offence.
A total of 11 people were arrested over the last week in Sutton borough for domestic violence offences ranging from harassment and malicious communications through to violent assaults.
Detective Inspector James Carrington, who runs Sutton Police station's Community Safety Unit, which deals with domestic abuse and other hate crimes, said International Women's Day recognises that violence against women and girls is an issue that continues to be one everyone should be concerned about.
"Today, when the world celebrates the achievements of women, perhaps some women are considering their own personal situations.
"In Sutton, we want victims of domestic abuse to report the crimes being committed against them and to be aware that help and support is available.
"It just needs people to call - and that call could be the first step they take to making their lives better and safer. Those of us who are brothers, sons, fathers and friends might give a thought as to how we might best support them in this.
"We are here 365 days a year to help victims of domestic abuse but today when people's thoughts turn to the women in their lives, International Women's Day might inspire or encourage some to accept that help."
If you need help in an emergency call police on 999 and if possible officers will arrest the perpetrator and take action to protect you from further abuse.
Alternatively, you can attend any police station in person, ask a friend or relative to do so on your behalf, or call the non-emergency number which is 101. If you require an interpreter one will be made available initially by phone and later in person.
Sutton's Domestic Violence One Stop Shop is a free, weekly drop-in service for people experiencing domestic abuse in Sutton. It is held at Sutton Baptist Church, 21 Cheam Road, Sutton SM1 1SN on Wednesdays, 9:30am - 11:30am. For information, call: 020 7801 1777. Text DV to 65101.
Since the One Stop Shop opened more than four years ago, more than 1,000 victims have received help.
In addition, police officers at Sutton will be wearing white ribbons in support of the White Ribbon Campaign - with the white ribbon representing a symbol for men who have pledged their support to oppose violence against women.
Between 30-40% of Sutton's violent crime is domestic. It is estimated that one in four of all women are victims and that only 50% of victims, who are men as well as women, report offences.
If you are suffering from physical, sexual, psychological, emotional or financial abuse or are being threatened or intimidated by a current or previous partner or adult family member you are a victim of domestic abuse. Since the end of December 2015, controlling or coercive behaviour constitutes an offence.
A total of 11 people were arrested over the last week in Sutton borough for domestic violence offences ranging from harassment and malicious communications through to violent assaults.
Detective Inspector James Carrington, who runs Sutton Police station's Community Safety Unit, which deals with domestic abuse and other hate crimes, said International Women's Day recognises that violence against women and girls is an issue that continues to be one everyone should be concerned about.
"Today, when the world celebrates the achievements of women, perhaps some women are considering their own personal situations.
"In Sutton, we want victims of domestic abuse to report the crimes being committed against them and to be aware that help and support is available.
"It just needs people to call - and that call could be the first step they take to making their lives better and safer. Those of us who are brothers, sons, fathers and friends might give a thought as to how we might best support them in this.
"We are here 365 days a year to help victims of domestic abuse but today when people's thoughts turn to the women in their lives, International Women's Day might inspire or encourage some to accept that help."
If you need help in an emergency call police on 999 and if possible officers will arrest the perpetrator and take action to protect you from further abuse.
Alternatively, you can attend any police station in person, ask a friend or relative to do so on your behalf, or call the non-emergency number which is 101. If you require an interpreter one will be made available initially by phone and later in person.
Sutton's Domestic Violence One Stop Shop is a free, weekly drop-in service for people experiencing domestic abuse in Sutton. It is held at Sutton Baptist Church, 21 Cheam Road, Sutton SM1 1SN on Wednesdays, 9:30am - 11:30am. For information, call: 020 7801 1777. Text DV to 65101.
Since the One Stop Shop opened more than four years ago, more than 1,000 victims have received help.