Domestic abuse awareness campaign reveals £200m cost to Thames Valley

The aim of the campaign is to increase awareness and promote early intervention in an attempt to break the cycle of abuse.
Reports of domestic abuse incidents average around 32,000 a year and statistics show an increase in reporting around March, June, July and August.
The majority of domestic abuse still goes unreported, and the focus of the campaign is to encourage people to contact either the police, Crimestoppers or specialist support agencies.
The campaign will urge family, friends, neighbours and colleagues to come forward and let the police or other agencies know if they suspect someone is being abused.
A dedicated website

and video has been launched to provide practical information for victims and those supporting them, and includes vital links to national and local support services.
Thames Valley Police Assistant Chief Constable, Helen Ball, said: “Domestic abuse can take many forms; it doesn't have to be physical violence.
“Domestic abuse counts for one in seven of all violent incidents in England and Wales.
“It is a crime and we take all reports of domestic abuse seriously.”
Chairman of Thames Valley Police Authority, Khan Juna, said: “Domestic abuse is, in many ways, a ‘hidden’ rather than ‘public’ crime.
“Yet it results in serious human and emotional costs for victims and significant financial costs to the community.
"It is estimated across the Thames Valley area that domestic abuse costs victims and the public over £200 million per annum in terms of its impact on the criminal justice system, child social care, housing, employment and health care.
“For all these reasons the police authority supports this campaign to break the cycle of abuse.”