UK police target men who abuse partners
A hard-hitting campaign aimed directly at men who abuse their female partners is to be launched today by Britain’s top policeman.
In one of his first public roles since taking office, Metropolitan Police Commissioner Ian Blair will unveil Scotland Yard’s blunt message, which will appear on posters around the capital.
One reads: “Bad day at the office? How will you unwind? Glass of wine? Nice meal? Break your wife's jaw?”
Another asks: “When was the last time you told your girlfriend you loved her? Was it just after you nearly killed her?”
The campaign is aimed squarely at men, as 85% of all reported incidents of abuse of women are carried out by males.
It warns potential abusers that the police no longer need a statement from the victim in order to make an arrest.
Commissioner Blair said: “We understand how distressing it is if the person you love subjects you to physical and psychological abuse, and how hard it is to report them to police.
“Since the new Service Level Agreement was signed with the Crown Prosecution Service, we are now taking action against offenders without the support of the victim and have seen a number of successful prosecutions of this kind.
“Abusers need to realise that there are no longer any safe houses for men who commit domestic violence and that they can no longer hide behind their partners’ fear.”
The posters are made up of white writing printed on a black background and will appear in unusual places such as in a pub or at football matches.
The campaign also includes re-enactments of real 999 calls from domestic violence victims which will be played on the radio over the next three weeks to shock listeners.
Domestic violence accounts for one in four murders in London and 24% of all reported violent incidents.
London mayor Ken Livingstone gave his backing to the campaign: “I strongly support the Metropolitan Police Service’s new campaign to raise awareness of the criminal nature of domestic violence and to bring to account perpetrators of domestic violence.
“Abusers must understand that such behaviour will not be tolerated. ”
