Police Against Domestic Violence

The police are looking towards Cyprus as a role model in their campaign against domestic violence. Cyprus has a special court for domestic violence and under Cypriot law, if an assault takes place in the presence of a child, the abuser can be charged with psychological assault on that child. The Metropolitan Police say that if special courts were set up in this country this would encourage more victims to come forward. The latest drive was launched at the Globe Theatre in London in the presence of Sheryl Gascoigne, Lynda Bellingham and Kate Adie. The scheme aims to make violent partners face up to their crimes by encouraging victims to come forward. In London there will be a television and radio campaign, posters will be distributed around doctors’ surgeries, libraries and hospitals encouraging victims to contact their local community safety unit for help. One in four of all crimes dealt with by the Metropolitan Police is a domestic violence incident. Police in Britain receive 1,300 calls relating to domestic violence every day. More information is on: www.met.police.uk/campaigns/domesticv.jan)1.htm