A CAMPAIGN has been launched to raise awareness of the scourge of domestic abuse as the festive season approaches.

The drive called Sorry’s Not Enough – where is no excuse for abuse. is supported by a range of agencies including Durham Police public health bodies and local authorities.

Durham Police and Crime Commissioner Ron Hogg said: “There is a real spike in domestic abuse in the run up to Christmas. It is not all festive cheer and tragically stress levels do build up in families.

“We cannot underestimated the increased use of alcohol over the Christmas period.

“As well as raising awareness, the aim of the campaign is to encourage victims to get the help they need and to warn abusers that domestic abuse will not be tolerated.

“I can’t stress enough that tackling domestic abuse is everyone’s business.”

As part of the campaign a dedicated website has been set up and posters will be appearing at key locations. The posters will depict images of different victims, including men and people in same sex partnerships, in the hope of showing the abuse can affect anyone.

Promotional items like pens and notepads have also been produced with the campaign branding.

Mr Hogg said: “There were 14,500 domestic abuse calls made to us last year, which is about 40 calls every day.

“Domestic abuse accounts for 8 per cent of all crime in County Durham and Darlington and 40 per cent of violent crimes reported to us were domestic abuse.”

Jeanette Stephenson, whose portfolio at Durham County Council includes domestic abuse and violence, said: “We want community in general and professionals that work with people to have a point of contact for information and somewhere to show clearly where help is available.”

Cllr Lucy Hovvels, who chairs the Multiagency Group tackling domestic abuse in County Durham, said: “Whether it’s happening to you, a friend, a colleague or a member of your family we want you to take action.

“This campaign is ultimately a call for action to ask everyone to play their part in tackling this crime by ensuring they are aware of it.

“As a society we should not tolerate this type of criminality and be committed to working together to tackle it.”

More information about the campaign can be found on www.sorrysnotenough.co.uk.

Case studies

Kate, 34, suffered emotional, physical, financial and sexual abuse for two years before having her partner arrested.

She said: “I had no self esteem or confidence and became a shell of a person.”

She added: “At first it was emotional abuse, calling me names. Then he would come home and punch me and call me a slag.

“I never went to police.

“The last time he hit me and raped me I had had enough and called the police.”

Kate said speaking to Harbour services gave her a new lease of life.

Debs, 53, who endured emotional abuse during a marriage of more than 20 years, said victims did not have to suffer physical violence to get help.

She said: “I want to promote the help I got from Harbour support services for domestic abuse after I came out of my marriage.

“I never got thumped. It was more control financially and emotionally. I lost my confidence and self-esteem.

“ In the end I had a breakdown and went into a crisis unit – four times in the space of 18 months."