This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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New phase for domestic abuse campaign
21/12/2004
New radio adverts which highlight the emotional impact
of domestic abuse were unveiled today.
One depicts the personal trauma of a woman's abusive
relationship and the other is from the perspective of a
domestic abuse helpline worker waiting to answer a
call.
These new adverts will complement the Behind Closed
Doors television adverts which will re-run from Boxing Day
until February. Adverts will also appear in national and
local press.
The main message of the campaign remains the same: help
and support is available if you are suffering domestic
abuse.
Communities Minister Malcolm Chisholm said:
"Too many women and children live in fear of domestic
abuse.
"This campaign is an important part of our work and it's
vital that we continue to challenge and overcome the
acceptance of abuse. Perpetrators need to know that society
will not accept their behaviour.
"We have to reach anyone suffering abuse to tell them
help is available - whether it is support from the
helpline, a place in refuge or help from Women's Aid and
the police.
"Public awareness has been raised to its highest ever
level in Scotland. But we must not be complacent - there is
still much to be done."
Kate McLaughlin of the Domestic Abuse Helpline (
0800 027 1234)said:
"Being a volunteer on the helpline is very important to
me as it means I can offer support to women who are in the
position I was in many years ago.
"As a survivor of domestic abuse when there was no
helpline, I know that the service it offers is a vital
resource for women in these circumstances by providing
confidential information, support and a listening ear."
Mary Lockhart of Scottish Women's Aid said:
"Domestic abuse is a major blight on the lives of women,
children and young people every day, of every month, of
every year.
"We've campaigned for 30 years to raise awareness and
are delighted that the Executive highlights the issue every
Christmas.
"During the festive season last year, hundreds of women
telephoned the helpline or contacted Women's Aid in
response to the campaign. Christmas is a time of hope, and
New Year gives the chance of a fresh start.
"We hope many women will hear or see this year's
advertisements and take the first steps to building a new
life free from fear, free from the blight of domestic abuse
and free to enjoy many happy Christmases in the years to
come."
Last year, over 15,000 calls were made to the domestic
abuse helpline (
0800 027 1234) which operates 24 hours,
seven days a week. Calls increase dramatically when the
campaign is running.
The Executive traditionally launches its domestic abuse
campaign over the festive period because this is when
police and Women's Aid groups report a higher incidence of
complaints.
Domestic abuse takes many forms. It can be violent
behaviour, financial or emotional control. It can affect
people regardless of their background, social class or
age.
The Behind Closed Doors commercial originally ran in
2001. It will re-run on television from December 26 until
the end of February 2005.
The
0800 027 1234 Domestic Abuse Helpline
operates 24 hours, seven days a week.
Anyone looking for support and information can speak
confidentially to a trained adviser. Critically, the calls
will not appear on a phone bill and so cannot be traced.
The Helpline is sponsored by THUS.
Spending levels on domestic abuse are at record levels
in Scotland. Since 1999 the Executive has committed over
£38 million for enhanced refuge provision, provided
specialist services such as the telephone helpline and
support workers for women and children.