Kent domestic abuse campaign comes at vital time, council says

Dan Watkins, Conservative KCC cabinet member for adult and social care and public health, said anyone can be a victim of domestic abuse

Kent County Council (KCC) is raising awareness for domestic abuse as the Christmas period and cost-of living crisis pose an "escalation of risk".

KKC is supporting the End Domestic Abuse campaign led by Kent and Medway Integrated Domestic Abuse Services.

Starting on 25 November and running for 16 days, the campaign provides free resources to support those facing domestic abuse.

KKC said that the campaign comes at "a vital time".

According to the Office for National Statistics, in the year ending March 2023, police in Kent, Sussex and Surrey recorded 60,933 domestic abuse-related crimes.

'There is always support'

The End Domestic Abuse campaign is part of the worldwide 16 days of activism against gender-based violence.

As part of the campaign, employers are encouraged to take part in free training to support employees, available on the organisers' website.

BBC South East spoke to a domestic abuse survivor, who echoed the importance of seeking support.

Eva, whose name has been changed, said: "The moment I knew I had to leave was when my son was injured [at] about a month old."

She said there was "always support and help" whether someone has left an abusive situation, is planning to leave or is just starting to experience abuse.

"Take that step and approach someone, speak to someone, talk about it, because the more you talk about it, the less power it has over you," Eva added.

Dan Watkins, Conservative KCC cabinet member for adult and social care and public health, said there was no "typical victim" of abuse but it was possible to "notice certain behaviours and provide support to protect people from abuse".

Ben Watts, KCC general counsel, said: "Violence against women and girls is not a women's issue. We ask men to recognise it and speak out against attitudes and behaviours that are harmful."

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