by Rebecca Hannant
East Riding councillors have unanimously voted to pass a motion led by Mid Holderness councillor Samantha Whyte to strengthen local action against domestic abuse, ensuring greater transparency, awareness and community support for victims.
On February 26, Cllr Whyte submitted a motion asking for the council to write to Humberside Police and the Police and Crime Commissioner, requesting that it be made mandatory for domestic abuse figures to be reported in the police’s monthly reports.
The motion was backed by all 59 East Riding ward councillors present.
Cllr Whyte submitted the motion after noticing that reports of domestic abuse-related incidents were often placed at the bottom of the list.
She said: “When I started as a new councillor, I wasn’t aware of the domestic abuse figures within the Mid Holderness ward. However, I knew it was happening in the region.
“After a bit of research, I found reports of domestic abuse, but it was down at the bottom of the list under the category of ‘other’.
“I later found out that it is not actually classed as a neighbourhood crime, and therefore it shouldn’t even be in the newsletter. However, PCSO Darren Bainton includes a description because he thinks it should be there.”
Cllr Whyte said she believed her motion could help communities provide access to domestic abuse support, while also giving victims the motivation to report incidents and seek help.
She added: “I think that communities would start talking about it if those figures were added, whereas right now they don’t even know – it’s hidden away.
“Once something isn’t hidden, we start to talk about it more freely. I think people will then realise they will become accountable, and the authorities will become accountable.
“It just makes the whole thing less taboo. We all know it’s there, but we don’t really talk about it. So if those figures are out there in the public for people to see in black and white every month, they are going to talk about it more.
“If we talk about it more, we’re going to challenge it, we’re going to scrutinise it, and we’re going to support the victims better.
“The other thing we see is that because people don’t think anything will be done about it, they don’t report it either. We don’t want to be panicking if the figures are suddenly shooting up because it might just then be a true reflection of what’s really going on.
“Seeing those figures may just give other people who are suffering from that type of crime the courage to report what’s happening to them.”
Cllr Whyte said that, while the figures of reports of domestic abuse rates were not high for her region, one report was too many, and she would like to see more victims encouraged to report the abuse they face.
“In recent months, Mid Holderness has seen around five or six incidents, but in February this was 12. Some people may look at this and think that’s not very many, but for me one is too many.”
Speaking after the motion was passed, Cllr Whyte said: “I am incredibly proud that East Riding Council has taken this decisive step in the fight against domestic abuse. By requesting that crime figures are made more visible in police neighbourhood reporting, strengthening council oversight, and equipping local councillors and parish councils with the right tools, we are ensuring that victims are supported and that communities are actively engaged in tackling this issue.
“Recognising domestic abuse as a neighbourhood crime would bring this crime out of the shadows, ensuring victims are seen and not forgotten. As a council, we must do everything we can to make our communities safer. I hope these proposals lead to tangible improvements in how domestic abuse is reported at both a local and national level.”
The motion was also supported by Cllr Lyn Healing, South East Holderness ward councillor and East Riding Council Cabinet member, who said she would like to see the figures highlighted in all reports submitted by the police across the region.
Cllr Healing said: “I fully support Samantha and the motion. Domestic abuse should not be classed as ‘other’. It needs to be given the priority it deserves and warrants.
“On average, one woman is killed every five days. Meanwhile, two men are killed a month. These statistics show the severe ongoing impact of domestic abuse in the UK, highlighting the critical need for continued efforts to prevent such tragedies and fully support victims of this crime. These are only the reported figures – there are a lot that go unreported.
“Domestic abuse is very stereotyped, because it isn’t just violent, it can be coercive behaviour, it can be financial. It covers lots of areas.
“People automatically think this happens between adults between their 20s and their 40s, but it’s a far different picture. We also must not forget the men who are less likely to come forward because they feel shamed, but there’s nothing to feel shameful about.
“I know it’s not easy reading, it’s not nice reading, but we can’t keep sweeping this problem under the carpet.
“I have noticed that the police have already started to address this in their reports. So I would like to thank the police for listening to the council.”
Support for victims
East Riding Council offers a range of support packages for victims through its DVAP service (Domestic Violence and Abuse Partnership), which is available to individuals aged 16 and over.
DVAP provides support with personal safety, housing options, home safety, legal options, welfare benefits and finance, child protection issues, access to medical assistance and recovery group programmes.
Cllr Whyte says the council will now work with the DVAP team, who have regular meetings with the police, to help ensure the figures are adequately reported.
For non-emergency support Monday to Thursday, 9am to 5pm, and Fridays, 9am to 4.30pm, call DVAP on 01482 396368. Alternatively, the National Domestic Abuse Helpline is available 24/7 on 0808 2000 247. For immediate or urgent help, call 999.