The Safer West Mercia Podcast: Recent Episodes
PCC John Campion
PCC John Campion talks to the people that deliver our vital public services every day, giving an insight into real life scenarios and practical advice on crime prevention, victim support, careers and how and when to access services.
Watch PCC, John Campion, and the Temporary Chief Constable for West Mercia Police, Alex Murray, discuss the matters which mean the most to you.
As the PCC builds his Police and Crime Plan, he wanted to hear from the communities of West Mercia about what are their priorities when it comes to crime and local policing.
PCC John Campion sat down with T/Detective Chief Inspector Lee Holehouse to talk about how police officers in West Mercia Police are improving outcomes for victims and survivors of rape or serious sexual assault.
PCC John Campion sits down with Matthew Cole, hate crime training and engagement officer for Victim Support's Hate Crime project i am ME! to discuss the impact of hate crime on the LGBT+ community and the action being taken to raise awareness of the devastating impact hate crime can have. The PCC funds the i am ME! project to the tune of £80,000 and the project has reached thousands across communities in West Mercia.
PCC John Campion sat down with Con. Lydia Burrows, South Worcestershire VAWG officer, and Detective Katie Brookes, Herefordshire VAWG officer, to talk about the work happening across West Mercia to tackle violence against women and girls.
PCC John Campion was joined by Chief Inspector Jake Wright and Anna Southall who is the Engagement & Campaigns officer to talk all things road safety.
In the latest episode they talk about the work happening throughout West Mercia to keep our roads safe, that latest Christmas campaign, how West Mercia police are utilising technology and the PCC relaunch of Roads Focus campaign across West Mercia.
PCC John Campion was joined by Chief Inspector Callie Bradley in his latest Safer West Mercia Podcast episode. Following the success of the Community Conversation in Herefordshire that focused on firearms licencing the PCC sat down with Chief Inspector Callie Bradley to discuses the topic further.
PCC John Campion was joined by Sergeant Marvin Choudhury in the latest Safer West Mercia Podcast to talk about the great work the We don't buy crime team do across West Mercia.
PCC John Campion sat down with Lucy and Kate from RoadPeace to discuss the important work they are doing to support victims across West Mercia as well as the work they do to create a safer West Mercia.
In the latest episode PCC John Campion is joined by three young people who are part of The Children’s Society project CLIMB.
This unique programme provides positive activities to young people who may otherwise be drawn to criminal activity.
This episode sees a twist where the young people put their own questions to the PCC.
West Mercia Police DCI Tony Garner joins PCC John Campion to discuss all things cyber crime- from keeping your children safe online, avoiding scams and how cyber crime as an emerging issue impacts on all aspects of criminality
PCC John Campion sat down with one of West Mercia's newest study officers PC Jenkins to find out what it's really like to be a new officer.
PCC John Campion spoke to Lee Heard and Andy Lane from RLSS UK about why these resources are so important. Access the FREE resources here: https://www.westmercia-pcc.gov.uk/campaigns/homeanddry/
Why the B-ME network is so important and necessary, and how have the challenges changed over time? Following the publication of the Race Action Plan, PCC John Campion discusses diversity in policing with West Mercia B-ME Network Chair Rik Klair.
TRIGGER WARNINGSPodcast contains references to rape.
APCC Nicola Lowery meets with a brave survivor of rape and hears her story and how she has continued with her life today.
PCC John Campion hears from Deputy CEO of RoadPeace about the work they do to tackle road safety, working with victims and their families.
PCC John Campion hears from his APCCs six months into their service with the office.
Hear from APCC Nicola Lowery and APCC Paul Middlebrough talk about an average day, what inspires them to do this work and more.
Hear from officer Sharon Wallace-Rathmell, Domestic Abuse lead in West Mercia Police. Hear her views on how VAWG has affected her personal and professional life and how it is shaping the future of society.
Hear from Jem from Worcestershire's WEP, find out what the party does and her views on how VAWG has affected her personal and professional life and how it is shaping the future of society.
We wanna talk, hear us! VAWG Campaign episode with Jocelyn Anderson from WMRSASC and Sue Coleman from WMWA talk about their views on VAWG and what can be done to combat it in society.
This week hear from Dr Matthew Home from Willowdene Rehabilitation, and hear the great work they do in order to prevent people reoffending.
Since the reunification of probation in June 2021, Willowdene is the highest performing prime provider of probation services across England and Wales, and the only prime provider to hit 100% of its targets.
This falls under our Violence Against Women and Girls campaign and highlights the victims of the crime often become perpetrators of crime but Willowdene looks to change this cycle and help women and girls get the fresh start they need.
"Everyone from one day old to one hundred years old, we all want to be loved. These con men and con women they play on your heartstrings."
This Valentine's Day as the West Mercia PCC's Cyber Campaign draws to a close, Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion spoke to West Mercia Police's Cyber Protect Officers, PC Jimmy Clarke and PC Rebecca Smith, about saying safe online.
Talking romance fraud and other cyber scams, the Protect Officers share some helpful tips:
- Get to know the person and not the profile.
- Speak to them and ask questions.
- Stay on the dating messenger service, rather than moving the conversation to another platform.
- Never send money to anyone you've met online.
- Think before you send images and information.
To report cyber offences and for more information and resources:
- Forward spam texts to 7726
- Forward spam emails to report@phishing.gov.uk
- Visit the National Cyber Security Centre: www.ncsc.gov.uk
- Email West Mercia's Cyber Protect Officers: cyberprotect@westmercia.police.uk
- Follow West Mercia's Cyber Protect Officers on Twitter: @WMPCyber
- Contact Action Fraud: Call 0300 123 2040 or visit www.actionfraud.police.uk
This episode PCC John Campion talks to Hannah Taylor, SARC Manager at The Glade.
She explains what Sexual Assault Referral Centres are, how they can help people in their time of need regardless of when the incident took place.
If you or someone you know has been affected by anything mentioned on this podcast please seek appropriate help.
- The Glade - Supporting the victims of Rape or Serious Sexual Assault
- Helping Victims - West Mercia Police Crime Commissioner
- Support for victims of rape and sexual assault | West Mercia Police
Reports can be made to the police via 101 and in an emergency via 999.
Do you know what a Rural and Business Crime Officer does? Hear from retired police officer Graham about why he chose to tackle rural crime.
Meet Jane our IAG chair and find out more about what she does in her role in advising West Mercia Police.
Stu shares his personal story about growing up with a speech impediment and how he climbed the ranks in the policing world from starting as a special constable.
Meet Sarah from WMRSASC who will talk about Purple Leaf and its mission to educate people about Sexual Violence.
Visit Purple Leaf | Working to Eradicate Sexual Violence for more information.
Interested in hearing more about what volunteers do in the police force, want to learn how to get involved, hear real life experiences from Sophie Paley the Citizens in Policing Programme Manager and Nathan Pawley Specials Co-ordinator and Special Constable.
PCC John Campion spoke to West Mercia's new Chief Constable Pippa Mills on her first day in the role.
PCC John Campion talks to Chris Hodson and Karen Holbrook about the restorative justice programme and how it can help victims of crime move on with their journey of recovery.
Chris explains how the sessions can be incredibly moving, as victims get the opportunity to ask 'why them?' and explain in detail how the crime made them feel. Restorative justice gives offenders, or the person that caused harm, an insight into the real impact of their behaviour and an opportunity to make amends.
The PCC funds the restorative justice programme in West Mercia via Victim Support.
More information can be found here:
Victim Support
West Mercia PCC
Restorative Justice Council
PCC John Campions talks to Kirsty Walsh, who suffered the devastating loss of her husband Shane, when he drowned after a night out in Shrewsbury in 2017. Shane was just 29 years old and the father of two small children when he died. Kirsty describes how humbled she was when volunteers travelled for miles around to take part in the search and rescue effort to find her husband, and how she felt that she needed to do something to repay the selflessness of strangers.
Kirsty has dedicated her time to championing water safety, through WMSAR and the Home and Dry Campaign. The Home and Dry Campaign was first launched in 2017 by WMSAR, who receive grant funding from the Police and Crime Commissioner. It includes a free online water safety course, and an offline version for schools and colleges, which can be accessed via the link below.
You can access the water safety course here
Find out more about the Home and Dry network here
Find out about the work of WMSAR here
PCC John Campion talks to Sue Coleman, Chief Executive of West Mercia Women's Aid (WMWA) about male victims of domestic abuse.
Around 15% of all domestic abuse victims are male, although society still struggles to accept the fact that men can also be victims. This perception, as well as society's views of masculinity can sadly prevent men from seeking help when they are a victim, keeping them in abusive relationships for far longer than they need to be.
The podcast features an interview with a male victim who was subjected to significant harm from his partner, and sought out support from WMWA and received support from an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor; highly trained support workers who specialise in working with victims of domestic abuse who are assessed as being at high risk of harm.
If you are a victim of domestic abuse, whether you are male or female you can speak to an advisor by calling 0800 980 3331 if you are in Worcestershire or 0800 783 1359 if you are in Herefordshire or Shropshire. You can also find out about support that's available on the WMWA website: http://www.westmerciawomensaid.org
PCC John Campion talks to Debbie Birch and Mark Riley who are working with Severn Arts about the Inspiring Futures through the Arts programme, which provides arts interventions in probation settings for people on a court order. The aim is to develop confidence and transferable skills, and reduce reoffending.
Between 2016 and 2020 over 200 adults on a court order took part in artistic sessions, contributing to improved mental health and self-esteem, as well as reduced reoffending rates. Workshops cover everything from creative writing, to music, to visual arts to film making and help people to unlock their creative side, and gain confidence through practising their chosen medium. During the pandemic, they have been working with children and young people in alternative provision settings using the arts to help young people express their Hopes and Dreams.
The Inspiring Futures through the Arts programme is funded by the Police and Crime Commissioner. For more information on funding the PCC provides through grants please visit https://www.westmercia-pcc.gov.uk/funding/
For more information on the Inspiring Futures Through the Arts programme and other services provided by Severn Arts please visit Inspiring Futures through the arts (Probation) | Severn Arts
PCC John Campion speaks with Ellie Giles, an intern in the PCC's policy and commissioning team, and Matt Knight, an intern in the communications and engagement team about their experiences of working within the OPCC.
If you're considering an internship after university, then this podcast is for you. It gives an insight into why Matt and Ellie decided this was the right route into work for them, what they have learned and how it has helped them to shape their plans for the next steps in their working lives.
The OPCC employs interns every September for a twelve month period, and information on vacancies can be found on the PCC's website: https://www.westmercia-pcc.gov.uk/vacancies/
PCC John Campion talks to Lucy Harrison who is a local group coordinator for the charity RoadPeace.
RoadPeace is the national charity for road crash victims in the UK. They provide information and support services to people bereaved or seriously injured in road crashes and engage in evidence based policy and campaigning work to fight for justice for victims and reduce road danger.
Lucy, who was bereaved in 2014 when her brother Peter was killed by a speeding driver, talks to John about the support available to victims and why the use of language is key to making sure victims are respected and acknowledged in their tragic loss.
RoadPeace will begin holding meetings for bereaved families in West Mercia in 2021. More information can be found on the RoadPeace website.
Other support for victims can be found through the Victim Advice Line 0800 952 3000 or online via their website https://victimadviceline.org.uk/
PCC John Campion talks with volunteer Independent Custody Visitor (ICV) Ian Baldry about why he chose to become an ICV.
Ian explains what an ICV visit entails, and the types of checks ICVs make to ensure that detainees are being kept safe and that their needs are met. Visits include checking the welfare of detainees – for example, are they getting enough to eat or drink, or are they getting any required medical help or medication. It also includes checking that police officers are following all the correct legal processes and protocol.
For more information on the ICV scheme, including how to volunteer please visit the PCC's website: https://www.westmercia-pcc.gov.uk/volunteer/
PCC John Campion talks to Sean Brennan, Safer Neighbourhood Team Inspector for south Telford and project delivery lead for the Safer Streets Fund.
Inspector Sean Brennan was brought up in Telford where his father was a police officer for the local area. Sean was part of the team that made a bid to the Home Office, together with Telford and Wrekin Council and the Police and Crime Commissioner for £550,000 funding to deliver a Brookside Safer Streets scheme to reduce crime and improve community safety.
Sean explains why Brookside was chosen for the scheme, and what measures will be put in place to make the estate a safer place.
White Ribbon Day is an opportunity for people to stand up, speak out and say no to violence against women. This year it's more important than ever with a significant increase in violence, harassment and abuse towards women during the coronavirus pandemic.
PCC John Campion is supporting White Ribbon Day by producing a series of special edition podcasts focussing on domestic abuse, including interviews with those that have experienced first-hand the devastating impact domestic abuse can have, and those are there to help and support victims.
PCC John Campion talks to Sergeant Steve Broom, who supervises patrols in the county of Herefordshire. Steve deals with reports of domestic abuse on a daily basis, often being the first officer to respond to 999 and 101 calls. Steve explains what happens when someone reports abuse, whether it's the victim, a neighbour or a family member, and how prosecution isn't always the most appropriate course of action for perpetrators and their families.
Steve explains that domestic abuse during lockdown has been a 'pandemic within a pandemic' and a reduction in crime resulting from the lack of night time economy hasn't meant a reduction in incidents - especially behind closed doors.
West Mercia Victim Advice Line: https://victimadviceline.org.uk
White Ribbon: https://www.whiteribbon.org.uk/
West Mercia Women's Aid: 0800 980 3331 http://www.westmerciawomensaid.org/
White Ribbon Day is an opportunity for people to stand up, speak out and say no to violence against women. This year it's more important than ever with a significant increase in violence, harassment and abuse towards women during the coronavirus pandemic.
PCC John Campion is supporting White Ribbon Day by producing a series of special edition podcasts focussing on domestic abuse, including interviews with those that have experienced first-hand the devastating impact domestic abuse can have, and those are there to help and support victims.
PCC John Campion talks to domestic abuse survivor Michelle Bowen. Michelle, who was married for 24 years, explains how coercive control was a feature of her married life, how her confidence and judgement were eroded over time and the steps she took to eventually leave.
Michelle discusses the services available for survivors, why it takes courage to reach out for help, and what she thinks needs to change in society and communities to give women the confidence to ask for help.
West Mercia Victim Advice Line: https://victimadviceline.org.uk
White Ribbon: https://www.whiteribbon.org.uk/
West Mercia Women's Aid: 0800 980 3331 http://www.westmerciawomensaid.org/
MORSE, which is the abbreviation of Making our Roads Safer for Everyone is an innovative safer roads initiative that is funded by PCC John Campion. It aims to reduce the number of road traffic offences being committed on the roads throughout West Mercia and make our roads and communities a safer place.
PCC John Campion speaks to David Andrewartha, Operations Director at YSS about how #MORSE is making a difference to the lives of young people. The service does not focus on offences in isolation, but looks holistically at the individual, focusing support around the individual’s needs. The support young people receive can be anything from support with accommodation, finding employment or help with drugs and alcohol.
YSS website: https://www.yss.org.uk/morse
White Ribbon Day is an opportunity for people to stand up, speak out and say no to violence against women. This year it's more important than ever with a significant increase in violence, harassment and abuse towards women during the coronavirus pandemic.
PCC John Campion is supporting White Ribbon Day by producing a series of special edition podcasts focussing on domestic abuse, including interviews with those that have experienced first-hand the devastating impact domestic abuse can have, and those are there to help and support victims.
John Campion talks to Anthea Sully, Chief Executive of White Ribbon UK. A leading charity, spanning across 60 countries, that aims to prevent and stop male violence against women. Anthea talks about how a violent and tragic shooting targeting women on a campus in Canada in 1989 inspired a group of male leaders to want to make a difference and change male violence against women. In 1991 White Ribbon was born and has spread worldwide.
Anthea talks about how the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown period has contributed to the rise in domestic violence and why, during a period of isolation it's so vital that men reach out to their friendship groups. Only by empowering men to make a difference, by spotting the signs that might concern them, and knowing where to go for help, can real change be achieved.
Wearing the white ribbon is a visual symbol of support for the campaign, and can help to start the meaningful conversations that really matter.
White Ribbon: https://www.whiteribbon.org.uk/
West Mercia Women's Aid: 0800 980 3331 http://www.westmerciawomensaid.org/
White Ribbon Day is an opportunity for people to stand up, speak out and say no to violence against women. This year it's more important than ever with a significant increase in violence, harassment and abuse towards women during the coronavirus pandemic.
PCC John Campion is supporting White Ribbon Day by producing a series of special edition podcasts focussing on domestic abuse, including interviews with those that have experienced first-hand the devastating impact domestic abuse can have, and those are there to help and support victims.
In this edition PCC John Campion talks to domestic abuse risk officer, Donna Wailes about her work to safeguard victims by reducing or removing the risk and providing support.
Donna explains how friends and family can be key in spotting the signs of abuse, and how they can best support their loved ones through the journey of recovery.
White Ribbon: https://www.whiteribbon.org.uk/
West Mercia Women's Aid: 0800 980 3331 http://www.westmerciawomensaid.org/
Bright Sky app - download from Google Play or Apple App Store
White Ribbon Day is an opportunity for people to stand up, speak out and say no to violence against women. This year it's more important than ever with a significant increase in violence, harassment and abuse towards women during the coronavirus pandemic.
PCC John Campion is supporting White Ribbon Day by producing a series of special edition podcasts focussing on domestic abuse, including interviews with those that have experienced first-hand the devastating impact domestic abuse can have, and those are there to help and support victims.
In this edition PCC John Campion speaks to Nick Gazzard, father of Hollie Gazzard who was brutally murdered by her ex-partner in 2014, whilst at her workplace in Gloucester.
After his devastating loss Nick went on to found the Hollie Gazzard Trust in memory of Hollie. The trust educates young people to recognise the signs of coercive control, stalking and domestic abuse, and how to identify unhealthy relationship behaviours.
Hollie Gazzard Trust: https://holliegazzard.org/
White Ribbon: https://www.whiteribbon.org.uk/
West Mercia Women's Aid: 0800 980 3331 http://www.westmerciawomensaid.org/
John Campion speaks to Lee Barton and Nigel Webster from the West Mercia roads policing team about how the public are becoming increasingly involved in capturing and reporting road traffic offences. With an estimated 4 to 5 million dash cams on the UK's roads, there is an ideal opportunity for photographs and footage of offences to be captured whilst people go about their daily commute.
Op Snap has revolutionised roads policing. Invented in Wales, the innovation is now prevalent across the UK and provides a quick and efficient way of reporting and assessing road traffic offences.
Find out more: https://www.westmercia.police.uk/operationsnap
PCC John Campion talks to Rosie Jarvis, national programme lead for the Drive Project and Lisa Ignoscia, service manager for Cranstoun about the Drive Project.
More than two women a week are killed by a current or former partner in England and Wales. One in every three crimes of violenceare domestic abuse related and one in four perpetrators re-offend, often over time and with several partners.
Drive works to end domestic abuse and protect victims by disrupting, challenging, and changing the behaviour of high-harm, high-risk, and serial perpetrators.
http://driveproject.org.uk/
PCC John Campion talks to student police officer Simon Redman about police recruitment and training and his aspirations for his future.
Simon is 36 and has been in training for around a year, he talks to John about his experience of joining the police force, training with Dyslexia and the best routes for entry. Simon, who spent his early career as an electrician, also explains how one single episode in his life gave him the inspiration to join up as a volunteer special officer, and later, the will to apply four times to become a regular officer.
West Mercia Police has successfully recruited an additional 105 officers, and is on target to recruit 93 officers by March 2021, meaning that it has 116 more officers than this time last year.
Find out more about joining West Mercia Police: https://www.westmercia.police.uk/police-forces/west-mercia-police/areas/west-mercia/ca/careers/
PCC John Campion talks to West Mercia Police Cyber Protect Officer James Squire about the alarming increase in romance fraud, not only across the UK but also in Herefordshire, Shropshire and Worcestershire.
Romance fraud has increased this year, as more people spend time at home and online as a result of Covid-19 restrictions. The average loss a person experiences due to romance fraud is £15,000, leaving the victim with significant financial loss as well as the emotional loss of the relationship they thought they had.
James explains how to look out for the signs that you are talking to someone that might have dishonourable intentions, and what to do if you have been a victim of romance fraud.
You can find out more on the Action Fraud website: https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/a-z-of-fraud/dating-fraud
PCC John Campion speaks to PCSO Aidan Goundry of the Droitwich Safer Neighbourhood Team. Aidan talks about why he decided to become a PCSO and what a typical day looks like.
PCSOs are the eyes and ears within their locality and are responsible for building relationships with the community and with partners, such as schools and housing associations. PCSOs are there to help to solve problems in the community and to promote safety.
You can get in touch with your local PCSOs via the West Mercia Police website https://www.westmercia.police.uk/a/your-area/
PCC, John Campion talks to Inspector Ram Aston about the successes of the We Don't Buy Crime initiative, and how it has helped thousands of people protect themselves from crime in West Mercia.
Find out how the forensic property marking technology, SmartWater, has made communities safer, right across the three counties as more towns and villages are safer and more protected. Find out what the future of crime prevention holds, and how more businesses, second-hand stores and fuel stations will be protected in the future.
Inspector Aston also gives advice about crime prevention and how communities can benefit from the initiative and access SmartWater.
For more information, visit: https://wedontbuycrime.co.uk/
PCC John Campion talks to Chief Superintendent Tom Harding about the way policing has changed during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Chief Superintendent Harding explains how West Mercia Police has worked closely with communities to engage, explain and encourage adherence to the new legislation, how officers have continued to work with businesses and individuals to prevent crime, and how crimes have changed during the lockdown period.
Find out why the public's information has played a vital role in enabling the force to build intelligence on crime, and how this has been used to tackle crime in communities, as well as how the force will progress through the period of easing lockdown restrictions.
John speaks to Bali Clisby, Area Manager from The Children's Society. The Children's Society deliver services across the country to support young people and their families that might be vulnerable for a whole range of reasons.
This podcast focuses on the funding John has made available to set up the Climb Service, which will deliver an early intervention and prevention service for 10 to 17 year-olds that may be in danger of being drawn into ‘county lines’ and other forms of exploitation.
The podcast explores how the Climb Service will support the aspirations of children by incorporating sports, dance, arts and music into their lives. This helps young people to find new passions, form healthy friendships and learn how to recognise people and situations that might put them at risk.
For more about the work of The Children's Society and to refer a child for support visit www.childrenssociety.org.uk
For information on the Climb Service https://www.childrenssociety.org.uk/what-we-do/our-services/climb
Due to the requirement for national social distancing measures, this episode has been recorded remotely and therefore the audio quality may be affected
John to talks to PCSO James Squire, Cyber Protect Officer for the Regional Cyber Crime Unit.
Most people never think it will happen to them, but even the most seasoned tech user can be caught out, as professional cyber criminals develop more sophisticated scams to trick us into parting with our money and data.
The lockdown has created unique opportunities for criminals, and as we all use more technology in our daily lives, we are more vulnerable to fake websites, extortion, phishing emails and texts and online scams.
James and John give us some useful advice on how to prevent becoming a victim of cyber-crime and the right channels for reporting these scams.
To report fraud and cyber-crime call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2050 or report online https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/ or call 101
Useful resources
https://www.getsafeonline.org/
https://cyberaware.com/
Due to the requirement for national social distancing measures, this episode has been recorded remotely and therefore the audio quality may be affected
John talks to Independent Custody Visitors (ICV) scheme coordinator, Phil Compton about why the ICV scheme was introduced, what its aims are and how it contributes to safe policing.
Find out how the Brixton Riots in 1981, and consequent Scarmen Report,had an influence on the introduction of the ICV Scheme and the promotion of safety and dignity in custody suites.
The ICV scheme is volunteer led and anyone interested in becoming an ICV can find out more on the PCC's website https://www.westmercia-pcc.gov.uk/working-together/independent-custody-visitors/
John tells listeners how they can apply for funding designed to help volunteers stay safe when assisting their communities during the Covid-19 pandemic. John shares useful advice on what can be funded and how people can apply.
For more information about Covid-19 volunteer funding go to www.westmercia-pcc.gov.uk or email opcc@westmercia.pnn.police.uk
Due to the requirement for national social distancing measures, this episode has been recorded remotely and therefore the audio quality may be affected
John talks to Jocelyn Anderson, CEO West Mercia Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre about the impact sexual violence has on its victims and what support is available to help people to survive and thrive. Jocelyn explains how services are kept up and running during this period of social distancing and why Child Sexual Exploitation is such a concern for children and their families.
WMRSASC Helpline: 01905 724 514
Access Live Chat via https://rapecrisis.org.uk/
For more advice and guidance www.WMRSASC.org.uk
Due to the requirement for national social distancing measures, this episode has been recorded remotely and therefore the audio quality may be affected
Nationally, two women a week are killed as a result of domestic abuse, and this number is increasing. PCC John Campion speaks to West Mercia Women's Aid Chief Executive, Sue Coleman. Sue explains how victims can plan for their safety at home, why a 35% decrease in calls to their helpline during lockdown is a worrying trend, what WMWA are doing to meet demand in a different way during this period of national social distancing and what you can do if you suspect a friend or neighbour is being subjected to abuse at home.
West Mercia Women's Aid can be contacted for help and support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in:
Worcestershire: 0800 980 3331
Herefordshire, Shropshire and Telford and Wrekin: 0800 783 1359
www.westmerciswomensaid.org.uk
Due to the requirement for national social distancing measures, this episode has been recorded remotely and therefore the audio quality may be affected
John talks about what he, as PCC is doing to support the police and communities during the Coronavirus crisis. What we can do in our communities and how to keep ourselves and our families, friends and neighbours safe from harm.
John talks to staff who support victims of crime every day. They will tell us how they can help from giving emotional and practical help to signposting you to specialist support. They will explain how they tailor each package of support to the individual and that crime doesn't necessarily need to be reported to the police for the individual to be eligible for support. Call the Victim Advice Line 0800 952 3000 email info@victimadviceline.org.uk. Those affected by crime can also communicate with the VAL via live chat which is available on its website: www.victimadviceline.org.uk.
John Campion talks to Mick Simpson, one of West Mercia Police's rural and business officers about rural, agricultural and wildlife crime; what you can do to prevent it and when you need to report it. Find out how to access crime prevention advice from Mick or one of the other dedicated officers.