Domestic abuse victims urged to speak out after 1,200 offenders brought to justice

VICTIMS of domestic abuse are being urged to speak out as new figures reveal more than 1,200 offenders have been brought to justice in the past 12 months.

It comes after David McGovern, of west Hull, was jailed for seven years for an attack on girlfriend Jade Pickersgill which saw her hospitalised for five weeks with brain injuries that have left her disabled.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said 1,217 people have been successfully prosecuted in Humberside since January last year for domestic violence, making the area one of the top performers in the country.

Chief Crown Prosecutor Martin Goldman urged more victims to come forward after Jade, 25, spoke about the abuse she suffered at the hands of McGovern, 37.

CAR KEYS AND REMOTES "FREE REMOTE KEY FOB BATTERY" 01482 423414 ...

Peace Of Mind Security Hull Ltd/Hull Car Keys

View details

Print voucher

FOR ALL YOUR CAR KEY NEEDS CALL US NOW ON
01482 423414
SNAPPED KEYS, LOST KEYS, KEYS LOCKED IN VEHICLES,
EXTRA KEYS
WE ALSO REPAIR 90% OF ALL REMOTES AND KEYS, NO FIX NO CHARGE.

Terms: FREE REMOTE KEY FOB BATTERY ONE PER CUSTOMER

Contact: 01482 423414

Valid until: Friday, May 31 2013

Mr Goldman said: "I want those suffering domestic violence to read this and recognise that in the past year, 1217 domestic abusers in Humberside were successfully prosecuted and convicted for what they did to their partners and or children. Those people and, in many cases, their children, are now safer as a result of speaking out.

"The festive period is a notoriously difficult time for those suffering at the hands of their partner, and there may be someone you know who has suffered violence at home in recent weeks.

"I'm keen to ensure every one of those people knows how seriously we take this and how successful we are at prosecuting such cases."

The CPS has specialist lawyers who deal with domestic violence cases and ensure victims are given the chance to give evidence in court via video links and behind screens.

In Humberside, the service has exceeded the national average for successfully prosecuting domestic violence cases for the fourth year running.

Although men are in the majority, women who abused their partners have also been brought to justice.

Since last January, 76 women have been prosecuted for domestic violence, including June Thompson who bit off her partner's ear which was then eaten by her dog.

Mr Goldman said: "We've exceeded the national average for a number of years and have a good track record but all of this is irrelevant unless the incidents are reported.

"Women experience an average of 35 incidents before they report it, if they make it that far.

"If you are suffering domestic violence, don't wait to see how bad things get and please don't believe your partner when they tell you it was a one-off or your fault.

"Every week in this country two people lose their lives to domestic violence, so in 2012 we can expect 104 people to lose their lives, some of those people may be living among us here in Humberside.

"If we give victims of domestic abuse the confidence to report the crimes, or their neighbours to report it for them, lives can be saved."