Bucks residents are being urged to speak out against domestic abuse this week.

Buckinghamshire Council is supporting White Ribbon Day on Wednesday (November 25) to raise people’s awareness of domestic abuse and help reassure victims that help is available.

Domestic abuse is defined as any incident, or pattern of incidents, of controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are, or have been, intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality.

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This can include, but is not limited to, psychological, physical, sexual, financial, or emotional abuse.

It comes after High Wycombe saw the highest number of domestic abuse cases in the county over a seven-month period.

Councillor Gareth Williams, Bucks Council’s cabinet member for communities and public health, said: “Buckinghamshire Council is proud to support White Ribbon Day.

“Abuse, no matter what form it takes, is unacceptable and it’s vital that we raise awareness of all the help and support that’s available for all victims.

“With new national restrictions in place it’s now really important for everyone to know they can still get help and leave their homes to access the support which continues to be available despite these challenging times.”

It is estimated that 1.9 million people in the UK suffer some form of domestic abuse and it can happen to anyone.

The White Ribbon Campaign, started in 1991, is a global movement of men and boys working to end male violence against women and girls.

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A spokesman for Aylesbury Women’s Aid and Wycombe Women’s Aid said: “Aylesbury and Wycombe Women’s Aid provide free information, emotional support, and access to safe temporary accommodation to enable women and children to determine their own futures free from abuse and violence.

“We are delighted by the continuing support of Buckinghamshire Council in addressing an issue which can affect one in four women in their lifetime.”

How and where to get help and support

  • Anyone in immediate danger should phone 999. Or if in danger and unable to talk on the phone, dial 999 from your mobile and then press 55. This will transfer the call to police, who will assist without the caller having to speak.
  • Call the 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247 or visit www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk
  • Anybody worried about causing harm to the ones they love can get help by contacting Respect Phoneline - 0808 802 4040 or visit respectphoneline.org.uk

Young people affected by domestic abuse can get support through:

  • Childline - 0800 1111 - www.childline.org.uk
  • SAFE - 0800 133 7938 - www.safeproject.org.uk

Local domestic abuse organisations:

  • Wycombe Women’s Aid - 01494 461367 - www.wycombewomensaid.org.uk
  • Aylesbury Women’s Aid - 01296 437777 - www.aylesburywomensaid.org.uk
  • Reducing the Risk - www.reducingtherisk.org.uk
  • Give us a Shout - www.giveusashout.org
  • Aylesbury Vale & Milton Keynes Sexual Assault and Abuse Support - 01296 719772 - www.avmksaass.org.uk
  • Victims First - 0300 1234 148 - www.victims-first.org.uk
  • Wycombe Women’s Aid - 01494 461367 - www.wycombewomensaid.org.uk
  • Aylesbury Women’s Aid: 01296 437777 - www.aylesburywomensaid.org.uk
  • AVMKSAASS (for male victims): 01296 719772 - www.avmksaass.org.uk