Domestic abuse crackdown for county’s rural districts

Hambleton and Richmondshire Community Safety Partnership is turning the spotlight on the victims of abusive relationships following a major rise in the number of incidents reported last year.

It has distributed posters in the run up to Valentine’s Day across the two districts bearing the words “Romance not violence”.

A woman who suffered domestic abuse for 10 years has added her voice to the campaign.

Christine Wheldon, from Northallerton, whose husband was placed on the sex offenders register and jailed for over two years after he sexually assaulted her, has urged victims to come forward.

She said: “Suffering in silence can destroy you, I want people to know that is all right to speak out. It’s not easy to accept that someone you love can behave aggressively, you feel ashamed and that it is your fault. This is not the case. There is lots of help out there and you must find the courage to get it. I loved the man I married but not what he became.”

Ms Wheldon eventually sought help with the Independent Domestic Abuse Service (IDAS) and after spending time in a women’s refuge, which helped her feel safe, she made a complaint against her husband resulting in the conviction. She is now rebuilding her life and hopes to go to college.

The partnership’s domestic abuse co-ordinator, Wendy Hardy, said: “We want people to know there is help available. Domestic abuse is never acceptable and you don’t have to put up with it. IDAS can provide support, emergency accommodation or just some free, confidential advice. It helped Christine and it is there for everyone.”

The Yorkshire Post revealed last year that the number of reported incidents in Hambleton and Richmondshire – home to Catterick Garrison, Europe’s largest army base – had overshot predicted levels by more than a third, with growing numbers of frustrated ex-servicemen who are unable to find employment fuelling the rise. Experts said large social events where drinking takes place, such as agricultural shows, were also contributing factors in the spike.

Last month the partnership launched a team of 30 counsellors to provide support for victims in the two districts.