Support From Domestic Abuse Available Localy At ‘Sals’s Place’

What is domestic violence?

Domestic violence can be any threatening behaviour, violence or abuse that takes place between adults who are family members or intimate partners (including ex-partners). It includes:

• Physical violence
• Sexual abuse
• Emotional abuse
• Financial abuse

Domestic violence can take place anywhere - not just within the home. Abuse tends to happen more and more over time - each time getting more serious. Whatever the extent of the violence, the abuse almost always leaves those suffering it to feel frightened, isolated, humiliated or ashamed.

What will the police do?

Lancashire Constabulary treats domestic violence seriously. If you call the police for help the incident will be treated as a crime and the following help will occur:

• Police will get to the scene as soon as possible;
• Protect all people present from injury or further harm, separating people if necessary;
• Organise medical assistance;
• Obtain an account from you or anyone who may have witnessed the incident independently, in a place where the abuser cannot overhear;
• Preserve and record evidence. This may mean taking photographs of any injuries;
• Explain what will happen next;
• Provide you with a crime or log number and the details of the officer(s) attending;
• Make sure you are safe in your home. If this is not possible officers may discuss the possibility of you going to another place of safety, eg friend’s house or refuge;
• Take positive action. The police have a duty to do all that they can to keep people safe;
• If officers are concerned about a child who may have seen the incident or normally lives at the address, they may refer them to other agencies to support the family.
• The police officer may take the decision to arrest the abuser whether or not a complaint is made (ie even if you decide not to take further action);
• The Crown Prosecution Service will talk to the police and will decide whether the matter should be taken to court or not. Bail conditions may be applied where appropriate;
• Staff from our Witness Care Units will keep you informed of the prosecution process and domestic violence liaison officers will provide advice and guidance on court familiarisation, help from other agencies, after care and long term support.

If you suffer from or witness any form of domestic violence, please ask for help. In an emergency call 999. For confidential advice & support, open 24 hours, contact the National Domestic Abuse Help line on 0808 2000 247.

For local support, information and confidential advice on domestic abuse, contact Sal’s Place in Lancaster on 01524 61747 or call in to Floor B, St Leonard’s House, St Leonard’s Gate, Lancaster.

Sal’s (Safe At Last) Place is a domestic abuse support centre and is the first of its kind in Lancashire. It has been set up to help people experiencing domestic abuse to make informed decisions as to the best course of action for their situation. Staff hope that the anonymity that the centre provides will encourage more people to come forward to get the help and support they need to protect themselves and their family from domestic abuse. The centre provides a fast, co-ordinated and comprehensive service including practical and emotional support and legal advice and information for anyone affected by domestic abuse living in Lancaster, Morecambe and the surrounding areas.

The centre is the result of a wide ranging partnership involving organisations including Lancashire Constabulary, Lancaster and District Women’s Aid, Victim Support, Relate, local family solicitors, Sure Start and the Drug & Alcohol Team. The team based at Sal’s Place include staff from these agencies as well as support workers skilled in dealing with all aspects of domestic abuse. 

Clean Sweep - Crime And Grime

Operation Clean Sweep has been operating in Poulton ridding the streets of crime and grime throughout November.

The clean sweep ran for four weeks and began with intelligence gathering in the first phase. The Police, Fire and Rescue Service and Lancaster City Council officers conducted an ‘Environmental Visual Audit’ to identify problem areas. Three hundred households in Poulton were visited to inform residents about the clean sweep and to ask them what for their views on how to improve the area. The information gathered from residents was vital for the second week of the programme which dealt with enforcement.

During week two, enforcers took to the streets targeting people who had dumped rubbish and litter. People allowing their dogs to walk without a lead or foul on the pavements were tackled with fixed penalty notices. The Fire and Rescue Service accompanied by the Police, Trading Standards and the Environmental Health Department visited licensed premises and HMOs to ensure all regulations were being adhered to. Firefighters targeted phone kiosks within the area from which hoax calls are made.

The ‘Crime & Grime Clean Sweep’ initiative is supported by the city council’s ‘Putting litter in its Place’ campaign, which aims to improve cleanliness in the district by focussing on education, enforcement and service delivery.

Week three focused on reassuring the community by providing advice through knocking on doors and leafleting. The Fire and Rescue Service offered advice on home fire safety and the dangers of alcohol related fires. The Neighbourhood Policing Team visited repeat offenders and victims of crime.

The final week involved an environmental clean up and concentrated on a thorough spring clean of the streets. Residents were asked to remove their cars so that the gullies were thoroughly deep cleaned and damaged pavements were repaired.

The Arson Reduction Vehicle collected dumped rubbish highlighted on week one’s ‘Environmental Visual Audit’ and there were lots of other clean up activities running alongside such as litter-picking and rubbish removal. Bus shelters that had been vandalised or covered in graffiti were cleaned and repaired.

Sgt Dal Dawkins who co-ordinated the Poulton Clean Sweep said: “Operation Clean Sweep gives local communities a voice and they are able to access and influence services which can impact on quality of life issues. The response we had from local people was excellent. This shows effective co-operation between different organisations to tackle crime and disorder in our communities.”