One in four women and one in six men experience domestic abuse in their lifetime and across Cheshire domestic abuse accounts for 19% of all crimes recorded in the county.*

During the festive period stress levels can rise and tempers can reach boiling point, which can result in an increase in domestic abuse incidents.

Help is available for those needing support through the Cheshire CARES support website which provides a central resource with local advice and signposting.

Dan Price, Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), working with Innovating Minds, has launched the site to support more domestic abuse victim-survivors across Cheshire.

Enhanced safety features allow victims to safely browse and bookmark information to return to.

One of the responsibilities of the PCC is to provide support services to victims and survivors of crime. The comprehensive resource hub was created and sees local organisation details being easily accessible to people in their time of need.

Innovating Minds is a leading organisation that is committed to providing mental health and well-being support to children and families affected by domestic abuse.

The Cheshire CARES support website enables those experiencing domestic abuse to look at help and resources based around a variety of topics, including mental health, legal, housing and supporting children affected by domestic abuse.

It’s been carefully crafted to support victim-survivors on their journey of healing with information and signposting in the following areas:

• What’s happening – explore what might be happening to you within your relationship
• Thinking about leaving? – prepare to leave safely, when you are ready
• I’ve left, what now? – support after leaving
• Life after leaving – healing and recovery after leaving
• Supporting someone else? – what to do if you are concerned about someone you know

Each topic has helpful resources and information on localised services that can support and advise those in need.

Police and Crime Commissioner, Dan Price, said:

“Domestic abuse does not discriminate. This site provides a localised bank of information to help answer questions people experiencing abuse may have.

“I’d encourage everyone to look at the Cheshire CARES support site and see what information there is. It may answer any questions you have and help you if you’re concerned about a friend or family member.”

Dr Asha Patel, Clinical Psychologist and CEO of Innovating Minds said:

"We are thrilled to collaborate with the Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner on this crucial project.

“This platform represents a significant step forward in our efforts to support more victims of domestic abuse. By providing a comprehensive and accessible resource hub, we are empowering both victims and survivors to seek and access help when they are ready."

You can access the Cheshire CARES support site by visiting https://cheshire-cares.mysupportpathway.com/

*For the 12 months to end of September 2024, domestic abuse flagged crimes represented 19% of all the crime recorded in Cheshire. Source: Cheshire Constabulary.