NEARLY 13 per cent of all crimes in Avon and Somerset during the last 12 months have been domestic abuse related.

And in the same time period, reports of occurrences of coercive control, introduced as an offence in 2015, have doubled across the region.

Now Avon and Somerset Police and Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Sue Mountstevens are launching a campaign to shine a light on domestic abuse.

The launch is set to coincide with International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (November 25).

As part of the campaign, victims will be encouraged to seek help, and advice will be offered to those who may be concerned about a friend or family member.

The impact of emotional and psychological abuse of a partner will be highlighted too. 

Whilst educating the public on how to spot the signs of domestic abuse the campaign is also helping people to start difficult conversations and give guidance on how best to help people.

Detective Supt. Marie Wright said: “Domestic abuse can be insidious and hidden, and not all domestic abuse leaves bruises.

“Domestic abuse is not a private matter, it’s a serious crime and we all need to play a part in helping to end it. 

"The more conversations we can have about the issue the easier it will be for people to come forward and ask for help.”

To mark the day PCC Sue Mountstevens, will be joining representatives from Soroptomists, the global women’s organisation dedicated to improving the lives and women and girls, on their Railing against Abuse march from Bristol Temple Meads to College Green.

The march comes days after the PCC joined NextLink for their annual vigil to highlight the number of women and children affected by domestic abuse.

PCC Sue Mountstevens said: “Abuse, in whatever form it takes shape, thrives in silence and that is why we all need to do more to be part of the conversation about coercive control, domestic and sexual abuse and harassment. 

“I have made protecting the most vulnerable from harm the number one priority for the police in my Police and Crime Plan.  It is vital that when victims and survivors seek help from the police they are listened to and taken seriously. 

“Together, with the police and partners, we are working hard to break the silence on domestic abuse encouraging victims to have the confidence to come forward and report and bringing offender to justice.”

A number of domestic abuse survivors will be sharing their stories during the campaign.

Chlo, was a victim of coercive control.

She said: “When we met face to face he’d be really lovely. He would take me out on dates, buy me presents and be really nice.

"But in between he started getting more and more controlling, manipulative and abusive towards me online and on the phone.

"He would lose his temper over really tiny things. I wouldn’t even know what I’d done. 

"He’d be shouting, screaming and swearing at me, saying that he didn’t want to talk to me anymore. He’d just flip backwards and forwards.

"It got worse and worse over time, but in between he went back to being really lovely – and he kind of made me feel like I was responsible. 

"So I kept thinking that if I could keep behaving in the right way I could stop him losing his temper again. But it never worked.”

Detective Supt. Marie Wright said: “We understand that it can be difficult to know how to broach the subject so we are providing some simple ideas for starting conversations, and advice on how best to support someone who is in an abusive relationship. 

"We know that high risk victims live with domestic abuse for more than two and half years before seeking help, so the most important message we are trying to get across is that there is no ‘quick fix’ to helping victims.

"Everything has to be done at their pace but having someone to talk to, and to support them can make all the difference in helping victims to break away from their abuser.”

A webchat will be held on Tuesday, November 28 at https://avonandsomerset.adobeconnect.com/webchat/ from 5pm-6pm for anybody with a question about domestic abuse. Victims might be seeking advice or concerned friends and family might want to understand more about what coercive control is. It is completely anonymous.

For more information and who to contact for support, visit www.thisisnotanexcuse.org