16 Days of Action

Alongside Wiltshire Police, we are supporting a campaign which aims to raise awareness of domestic abuse.

16 Days of Action takes place from 25 November to 10 December and highlights that one in four women and one in six men will experience domestic abuse within their lifetime.

During the campaign we are running an event for professionals to raise awareness of coercive and controlling behaviours and will also be hosting bitesize sessions for its managers to highlight its refreshed domestic abuse policy for staff.

Cllr Laura Mayes, Wiltshire Council Cabinet Member for Public Health and Adult Care, said: "Domestic violence can affect anyone, regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexuality or religion. It's abhorrent in all its forms but the more we can do together to shine a light on this crime the better chance we have of ending it."

Detective Inspector Simon Childe, Force Lead for Domestic Abuse at Wiltshire Police, said: "Domestic abuse is everyone's business and we want to spread the message that there is no excuse for abuse.

"If it's happening to you, or you are concerned that someone you know is being subjected to abuse, please don't suffer in silence. Tell us by calling 101 or, if you or the person you are worried about is in immediate danger, please dial 999.

"We understand that you might find it difficult to report your concerns to the police. However, there are support services that can also help, or you can always speak to your GP, health visitor or a teacher".

If anyone needs safe and confidential support they should contact the FearFree (opens new window)on 01225 775276 or call the 24-hour National Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 2000 247.

Please follow X: Wiltshire Council (opens new window)and X: Wiltshire Police (@wiltshirepolice) (opens new window) on Twitter for regular content throughout the campaign.

Our Domestic Abuse Reduction Coordinator, Emma Harrold, is also due to speak on BBC Wiltshire's Graham Seaman show about the issue, which will be broadcast between 12pm and 2pm on 3 December.

Domestic violence can affect anyone, regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexuality or religion. It's abhorrent in all its forms but the more we can do together to shine a light on this crime the better chance we have of ending it.