The number of incidents of domestic violence in Harrow has risen by 42 per cent in the past two years. And with the real figure estimated to be three times greater than the 2,065 reported to police last year, the council is taking strides to ensure more people than ever can identify the crime. DAVID BAKER reports

PROFESSIONALS in the public and voluntary sector are being encouraged to share their training and guidance on domestic violence so that more people are available to help victims.

Last week, Harrow Council launched the Pass It On campaign, asking staff who have received council training, advice and information about abuse ranging from threatening behaviour to sexual attacks, to share it with at least five colleagues.

The campaign comes after figures revealed a 42 per cent increase in the number of cases of domestic violence reported in Harrow during the past two years, bringing the total to 2,065 last year.

The real figure is estimated to be far higher as many cases are not reported, so online guidance could prove crucial in recognising and responding to the signs of abuse.

An extensive guide aims to arm professionals with the knowledge and confidence they need to help low to medium-risk victims of violence, at virtually no cost to the council.

The launch coincided with White Ribbon Day and Womankind's international 16 Days of Activism when Jodie Darge, the council's domestic and sexual violence co-ordinator, led a conference for 80 local social workers, teachers, health workers, police and volunteers.

She said: "To actually say why people are victim to domestic violence is very difficult because it can be for a number of reasons, but we hope that an increase in reports of this crime is because people have more confidence in coming forward.

"The police in Harrow are very good and we work very closely with them.

"The arrest rate for reports is very high, at about 87 per cent. But unfortunately, only a minimal amount of these lead to criminal prosecutions.

"However, while crime statistics show that there were around 2,000 reports of domestic violence last year, the reality is that there are 3,000 or 4,000 more incidents that we don't hear about and that is why we are pushing this campaign to ensure we reach out to more people.

"Christmas can be a catalyst. While we don't necessarily see a massive increase in that period, we know that the stresses that come with the festive period can result in instances of domestic violence."

Nationally, two women a week are killed by a current or ex-partner and one in four women will experience violence in their lifetime.

The deputy leader of Harrow Council and portfolio holder for community safety, Councillor Phillip O'Dell, said he hoped showing a greater level of intolerance to the crime in Harrow will bring these worrying statistics down.

"It's vital we work with our partners in the police and voluntary sector, as well as the many departments across the council, who might come into contact with victims of domestic violence," he said.

"The Pass It On campaign is simple and costs almost nothing, but the guidance is extensive and equips those who might come into contact with victims of domestic violence with knowledge of what to look out for, how to help them or who to turn to.

"If the 80 people who attended our launch event carry out their pledge to pass on the information to five more people, we can make sure this powerful message reaches out into the community."

White Ribbon Day encouraged men to take a stand against domestic violence by wearing a white ribbon to symbolise a pledge to never commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women.

At a stall in Harrow Civic Centre, 161 white ribbons were sold, raising £179.12 for domestic violence charities.

* Anyone experiencing domestic violence is urged to contact the following confidential support services: Independent Domestic Violence Adviser (IDVA) 020 8863

CASE STUDY OF AN INDEPENDENT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ADVISER

EVERY day Hetal Amin deals with victims of domestic violence in Harrow and has seen how devastating the abuse can be.

She said: "In most cases it is common that a victim is subjected to 35 instances of abuse before they report the crimes or seek help.

"It can have an absolutely devastating effect on people and can completely shatter their self-confidence, sometimes indefinitely.

"Domestic violence covers a whole scope of abuse and people need to be aware that all levels have a serious impact.

"It can include threatening behaviour, violence or abuse, which includes, psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional, between persons who are or who have been intimate partners or family members.

"We do see a small proportion of men who are victims of domestic abuse too, as this is something which spans age, gender, sexual orientation, class and culture.

"Lots of people think it is just about physical abuse, and while this is often the case and can leave real permanent physical damage, we have to explain it is a much wider umbrella term.

"Often we see people feeling as though they have to accept domestic violence because of the involvement of children or dependency or money issues, but there is help out there."

Ms Amin said that if victims do not want to call the council, they can speak to their GPs, phone the national helpline, visit websites like www.rightsforwomen.co.uk ,  or talk to a friend, family member, colleague or neighbour.

The 24-hour National Domestic Violence Helpline is 0808 2000 247.

Always call the police emergency number (999) if you are injured, being threatened or are in danger.