29 flames burn for domestic abuse dead

Dec 2 2009 Harrow Observer

CANDLES were lit on White Ribbon Day to mark the death of two women killed this year in incidents of family violence in Brent.

The White Ribbon Campaign aims to eliminate violence against women and encourages the positive role men should play in their lives.

Councillor Hayley Matthews (Liberal Democrat), who is responsible for public safety, joined borough police commander Mark Toland and residents at Brent Town Hall on Wednesday last week to stand together in solidarity to mark the poignant occasion.

Twenty seven candles were lit to commemorate the women who were killed by an intimate partner or family member in London last year and a further two in memory of two women from Brent.

Between October 2007 and October 2008 there were 1,662 domestic violence cases reported to the police.

But between October 2008 and October 2009 this rose to 2,180.

Councillor Matthews said: "White Ribbon Day has an important role to play in raising awareness of the role men can play in stopping domestic violence. Over the last few years we have seen an increase in reports of domestic violence.

"However we are hopeful this represents an increase in reporting as victims become more confident in reporting abuse and accessing services, which is something we are keen to encourage."

Over the last three years reports of domestic violence in Brent have increased by 33 per cent, according to Mr Toland.

He said: "As domestic violence is recognised as one of the most unreported crimes, an increase in reporting can reflect an increase in confidence in reporting abuse." [25cf] Brent has a range of services set up to deal with cases of domestic violence. For more information please call Sara Acton on 020 8937 1139 or email sara.acton@brent.gov.uk.