Police to tackle domestic abuse

Dec 18 2009 by Lisa Boyle, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

FESTIVE tension is no excuse for abuse.

And violent husbands will be jailed.

That’s the stern message from police as Women’s Aid reveal that more than 1200 abused women asked them for help this year.

The staggering figure reveals the true extent of domestic abuse in South Ayrshire.

And the figure has continued to grow, despite a concerted campaign to stamp it out.

As Ayrshire police team up with Women’s Aid, victims are being urged not to suffer in silence.

They revealed that domestic tensions often peak over Christmas.

But the problem is not confined to this time of year. Many women live in fear of current or former partners all year round.

Scores of people in Ayrshire have been put behind bars for the sickening crime in the last year.

In October this year, thug Andrew Milligan was jailed after lobbing a kitchen worktop at his ex-girlfriend.

In May, 56-year-old John Jewitt admitted continually harassing his ex-partner and failing to comply with bail.

The Ayr man was jailed for 28 months and slapped with a non-harassment order for five years.

In April, a 20-year-old Drongan man was jailed for eight months after pleading guilty to assaulting his partner.

Sandra Paton, from the charity, said: “Every year sees an increase in the number of calls made to Women's Aid, sometimes from women who want to end relationships, but also from many women who just want to talk, in confidence, about their situation.

“Across Ayrshire, women are gaining increased confidence in the way police handle reports of domestic abuse, and many women now seek police protection and intervention sooner rather than later.”

Sandra continued: “Domestic abuse isn't an inevitable part of life, but understandably many women are worried about speaking out.

“However, support is only a phone call away, and countless women, of all ages and walks of life, have regained control of their lives after seeking help.”

She concluded: “I’d urge Ayrshire’s women not to suffer in silence and to think about using the support options available to them.

“They can either report incidents to the police or contact their local Women’s Aid group in confidence for information and support.”

Chief Inspector Andy Sweeney is the deputy sub-divisional officer for South Ayrshire.

He explained: “Domestic abuse is unacceptable and won’t be tolerated under any circumstances.

“I would encourage victims to report incidents to ensure their abusers are held to account.

“Women can report abuse by contacting their local police station, where officers will deal sensitively with the issue.

“We would also encourage women who may be too fearful to formally report an abusive partner to call their local Women’s Aid group, where they can talk to a dedicated female counsellor in confidence.”

South Ayrshire Women’s Aid has an office in Green Street, Ayr, and can be contacted on 01292 266482.

Alternatively, the national 24-hour Domestic Abuse Helpline is on 0800 027 1234.

Ayr police office can be contacted on 01292 664000.