Hillingdon Council have launched a new campaign to raise awareness of the seriousness of domestic abuse, in the run up to Christmas.
The campaign, which sees the council teaming up with police, comes after two tragic domestic abuse related deaths in the borough in the last year.
In 2015, two men were brought to justice for murdering their ex-partners in separate incidents in Hillingdon.
Gibson Mazikana, 41, received a 27-year sentence for murdering 42-year-old Emily Munemo in Uxbridge in January and Billy White, 22, pleaded guilty to murdering his ex-partner Lucy Ayris on Saturday, 7 March in Hayes, and now awaits sentencing.
Uxbridge's Community Safety Unit, (CSU) previously revealed they receive just over two allegations of domestic abuse, which have resulted in physical injury, PER DAY.
Launched in the lead up to Christmas and New Year, a time when domestic abuse is known to increase, the campaign helps promote support that is available and aims to increase levels of reporting.
The publicity, which local charities, organisations and faith groups are helping to deliver, encourages victims to 'tell someone before it’s too late' and, similarly, urges their friends and family, to 'do something before it's too late', signposting them online for help and and support.
Cllr Corthorne, Cabinet Member for Social Services, Health and Housing, said: “It is time to reaffirm our key goals in working with victims of domestic abuse.
“We want to reduce the prevalence of domestic abuse and hidden forms of domestic abuse, and
ultimately see an end to this through our joint safeguarding practices. We want to increase reporting and make sure victims are adequately supported.
“We want to increase the number of offences that are brought to justice.
“We are very fortunate to have Hillingdon Council’s Specialist Community Safety team, which is a great example of a co-ordinated community response. We also have an excellent range of partners who are passionate about what they do."
The Met Police Community Safety Unit has 28 specialist detectives based in Uxbridge, who deal with domestic abuse crimes.
Hillingdon’s Borough Commander, Detective Chief Superintendent, Nick Downing said: “There have been more than 500 victims of domestic abuse this year alone - and that is 500 too many.
"We need to do more. We are going to go after the perpetrators, and we will support the victims. Together we can make a difference.”
Whether they are a victim themselves, or if someone is worried about a friend or family member, residents can read more about the support on offer by the council by visiting their website.
