Shocking figures have revealed that two out of every three murders in Hampshire are as a result of domestic violence.

Crimestoppers’ figures for the rest of the country show that 35% of all murders have a domestic violence context.

Domestic violence is something that affects thousands of people every year and is particularly common during the festive period when people tend to drink more.
In some cases violence escalates over a period of many years while in others there may be little or no warning at all.

Because the perpetrators are people trusted and loved by their victims, incidents are often never reported to the police.

However, changes in the way the law works mean that the victims of domestic violence are able to get better protection and evidence from third parties can now be used to build a case.

Hampshire Crimestoppers is hoping that friends, neighbours, family members and colleagues who suspect domestic violence will start to report it anonymously.

The appeal follows a successful trial in other parts of the country and is designed to get victims help before it is too late.

Simon Hayes, chairman of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Crimestoppers, said: “Domestic violence is one of the most harrowing crimes. For someone to be physically and mentally abused by a person they love and trust is hard for most people to imagine.”
North-East Hampshire Domestic Vio-lence Forum chairman Karen Evans said it was always better to report suspicions rather than wait to see what happens.

She said: “Research has shown that without intervention, in most cases, the violence escalates in severity and frequency and could ultimately end in murder.

“There are a number of signs that people can look for and often it starts with something very low level.”

She said that a number of agencies work together to ensure victims of domestic abuse are protected and supported.

However, she added, many people are too afraid to report what is happening themselves or do not want to do anything that might break their family apart.

Mrs Evans said: “If you’re worried about someone you know and you think they are in immediate danger then obviously dial 999. But even if it’s something small and it turns out to be a false alarm, it’s far better to raise it than find that the whole area is cordoned off a few days later.

“It might turn out to have been an argument on the telly but the police would far rather check that out than not be alerted to a potential situation.”

Approximately 30% of all domestic violence cases start during pregnancy, often because the male partner feels threatened by the looming new arrival.

There are steps people who think they might be in danger can take, including avoiding the kitchen if a row is about to begin as knives are to hand there.

Mrs Evans said: “It’s surprising if you ask around how many people know someone that has been in that situation.

“It is a really serious issue and I can’t think of anything worse than keeping quiet and not saying anything and then realising too late that you should have spoken up.”

Lord Ashcroft, founder and chairman of Crimestoppers, said: “Domestic violence is a crime, and just with any other criminal act information is needed to help make arrests and build prosecution cases.

“It is vital that people are aware that the information they have on domestic violence can help bring offenders to justice and safety to the victim. We must help put a stop to it.”

Mr Hayes said: “These perpetrators must be brought to justice. If you know anyone being abused or that is doing the abusing, please call the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 to pass on information you have.”