DECEMBER will see the launch of Cumbria Police’s domestic abuse awareness campaign.

The campaign will run over the Christmas period and feature different support services on the Force’s social media accounts. The support services being highlighted provide a range of services for victims of domestic abuse in Cumbria.

Detective Chief Inspector James Yallop said: “This campaign aims to highlight the support services available to the public so they can get the advice and support they may need. Getting the right support can empower someone to take their next positive step forward.

“We also want to encourage victims to report abuse. Incidents will be investigated thoroughly and sensitively, and we will help people get the support they need.

“There is a whole wealth of support services available in Cumbria; everything from counselling to rehoming support in addition to many other services available nationally. As the Police, we can help you access these support services, and we will support you though any court process.

“Support is also available for anyone who recognises their behaviour towards a partner or family member is inappropriate. It is important to understand why this may be happening so people can get the help they need. This could be financial advice, support around substance or alcohol misuse or, emotional health and wellbeing”.

The Constabulary will also be hosting weekly domestic abuse surgeries through Events on their Facebook page. The surgeries are supported by the Constabulary and partner agencies; giving the public access to several professional support services in one easily accessible place. These events will run on Wednesdays on the run up to Christmas.

On average, Cumbria Police Deal with at least 17 incidents of domestic abuse everyday across the county. Almost half of these reports are from people who have experienced violence before.

Due to many factors, cases of domestic abuse commonly increase in December.

There five areas will be covered around domestic abuse are:

• Controlling behaviour, where a perpetrator controls area of the victim’s life. This can include, controlling who the victim meets or speaks to, what they access on social media, what they wear and monitoring a person’s movements.

• Coercive behaviour, where the victim is forced to do things against their will, or they are constantly shouted at, ridiculed, deliberately frightened, threatened or made to feel like they have to walk on eggshells all the time.

• Financial abuse, where the perpetrator controls the victim’s finances or restricts what money they can access for themselves or others. This is also a form of controlling behaviour.

• Psychological abuse, where a perpetrator destroys the confidence, outlook or mind set of the victim.

• Physical abuse.