Protecting victims of domestic abuse and bringing more offenders to justice must be "everyone’s business", say police and other agencies at the launch of a new campaign.

White Ribbon Day, a national event seeking to end male violence towards women, has been used to launch 16 days of action and raise awareness of the help and support for those affected.

Eastern Daily Press: Police officers will be wearing white ribbon to highlight domestic violencePolice officers will be wearing white ribbon to highlight domestic violence (Image: PA)

Police officers, support services, companies and other bodies will be displaying white ribbons throughout the campaign.

Chief Superintendent Andy Coller, head of safeguarding and investigations and co-chair of the Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Group (DASVG), made up of police, the crime commissioner, councils and charities, said it was sending a message to perpetrators that such behaviour will not be tolerated.

 

“Tackling domestic and sexual abuse is everyone’s business in Norfolk – not just on White Ribbon Day but 365 days of the year,” he said.

It comes as rising numbers of domestic abuse cases now make up almost one in four of all incidents investigated by Norfolk police.

But the force’s recent performance effectiveness report highlighted the domestic abuse arrest rate was 17% - lower than the national average of 28%.

Eastern Daily Press: Norfolk chief constable Paul SanfordNorfolk chief constable Paul Sanford (Image: Jason Bye)

Chief constable Paul Sanford said he was determined to see more abusers arrested and prosecuted. 

“Previously the domestic abuse incidents that we were dealing with were mainly assaults and violence in the home. We are now recording a lot more online based harassment and controlling behaviour, some of it quite historic,” he added.

Thousands of leaflets have also been sent out by Norfolk County Council to carers across the county to highlight the signs of domestic abuse, particularly involving older people.

Domestic abuse charity Leeway is also working with schools to highlight the impact it has on children and encourage healthy relationships among young people.

Eastern Daily Press: Norfolk is below the national average for arrests of domestic abusersNorfolk is below the national average for arrests of domestic abusers (Image: PA)

Mandy Proctor, chief executive of Leeway, said: “Domestic abuse impacts the lives of so many people, which is why we believe that it is in everyone’s interests to do their bit to tackle it.

“There has been a lot of excellent work going on across the county, as well as positive steps nationally, with the Domestic Abuse Act becoming law last year.

“It is important that we don’t rest on this progress though and continue to strive to raise awareness of domestic abuse, whilst also ensuring that those experiencing it receive the best possible support.”