Granada domestic abuse

An online petition to change sentencing for domestic abuse cases on the Isle of Man has been launched.

Local charity 'Safe, Strong, Secure' is urging the IOM Government to review the legislation system following a recent suspended sentence case.

Tamasin Wedgwood from the charity describes on the petition how the Manx court "displayed a totally inadequate understanding of abuse."

The petition can be found here.

Crimestoppers have launched a new campaign to increase reporting of domestic abuse in Cumbria.

On average, Cumbria Police deal with over 17 incidents of domestic abuse every day across the county, with almost half of these being against people who have experienced violence before. However, it is believed that many more cases go unreported.

Called ‘Behind Closed Doors’, the campaign aims to highlight that too many victims are suffering in silence at the hands of their partner, spouse or family member.

Abuse can be physical, psychological, sexual, and financial, according to Crimestoppers it is thought the average victim will endure up to 35 assaults before speaking out. And, without help, the abuse is likely to increase over time or even result in death.

Victims are often too afraid to speak and, in many cases, neighbours, friends and even family will suspect that the offence is taking place but are reluctant to get involved.

If you are a victim of domestic abuse yourself or if you think you know someone who is please call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111

Lancashire's Police and Crime Commissioner, Clive Grunshaw, wants MPs to back a campaign for more protection for domestic abuse survivors.

Campaigner Eve Thomas, from Bolton, is calling for a change in the law to ensure victims do not have their safe-house addresses released.

Ms Thomas escaped a violent relationship and her former partner was ordered not to contact her.

While defending an unrelated civil issue in court, Ms Thomas discovered a legal loop-hole that would allow her safe-house address to be made publicly available to her former partner.

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The Commissioner's support comes during a week of action in Lancashire to highlight the problem of domestic abuse in the county.

The Happy Mondays singer Rowetta who is a former victim of domestic abuse and Isobel Shirlaw from the charity Refuge discuss whether the police are doing enough to protect victims of domestic violence.

Police across the North West are launching a week of action to raise awareness of domestic abuse.

Officers will be alerting people to the signs and targeting known offenders.

Our region has one of the worst records in the country for domestic violence.

Recent figures show the number of reported incidents are on the rise.

If you are suffering from domestic violence you can find help from Women's Aid, Refuge or go to endthefear.co.uk

Or call the National Domestic Violence helpline on 0808 2000 247.