With more than 2000 champions already active in the region, Police Commissioner Kim McGuinness is now calling for more businesses to join the fight against Domestic Abuse.

Supporting those affected by domestic abuse can often start in the workplace, and with that in mind, Police Commissioner Kim McGuinness wants more businesses to take part in free training delivered by the Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit and to join its dedicated network of champions.

Over the last few years, the workplace has changed significantly with more people working from home, but for those affected by domestic abuse, it provides a lack of escape from the harm they face. That’s why it’s so important for employers to ensure support is always readily available.

Earlier this year, Government issued further guidance which meant businesses must now consider the impact of domestic abuse, such as a drop in work attendance and productivity, as part of their wider duty of care for their employees.

This training can help staff to understand and spot the signs of domestic abuse, support someone who has disclosed abuse as well as signposting them to dedicated services who are on hand to offer crucial help and support.

With more than 2000 champions already active in the region, and the Violence Reduction Unit having released its 2023 training dates, now is your chance to get involved and play your part in ending domestic abuse.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness said: “Employers have a responsibility to provide a safe working environment and for some staff, the workplace can be their only safe haven from domestic abuse. But, we know that in recent years, there has been a huge change in the way many of us work, such as spending more time at home – a place that should feel safe but isn’t for those experiencing abuse. That’s why I’m calling for more businesses to get in touch with the Violence Reduction Unit and get their staff signed up to this vital training. There is so much that can be put in place to support staff even when they are not in the workplace”

She added: “From spotting something that doesn’t sit right to supporting a colleague who has disclosed abuse, this training and support network can make such a difference to those who need it”.

Having already taken part in the training along with other members of his team, Daniel Errington-Barnes from Eldon Square in Newcastle said: “It’s a fantastic scheme which helps you feel fully equipped to deal with a potential domestic abuse situation and most importantly, how to help that person out. You are kept up to date regularly and it is a free service – one that when the time comes, you will be very grateful to be part of. It has heightened my awareness and enabled me to be constantly on the lookout for any signs”.

For more information or to take part in the training, please contact the Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit by email vru@northumbria-pcc.gov.uk

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Links below to book 2023 DA Champions training:

Stage 1 (online): https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/workplace-domestic-abuse-champions-training-stage-1-tickets-491832523317

Stage 1 (In Person): https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/workplace-domestic-abuse-champions-training-stage-1-tickets-491881399507

Stage 2 (Online): https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/workplace-domestic-abuse-champions-training-stage-2-tickets-491927948737

Stage 2 (In Person): https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/workplace-domestic-abuse-champions-training-stage-2-tickets-491943926527

A dedicated festive operation aimed at tackling disorder in Sunderland city centre saw Christmas crime rates drop by 37 per cent.

From November 17 to December 24, officers teamed up with Sunderland City Council, Sunderland Business Improvement District (BID) and The Bridges shopping centre as part of a multi-agency crackdown on criminality.

Operation Kraken – ran by police with partners – involved uniformed and plain-clothed officers carrying out dedicated patrols to detect and disrupt crime.

Led by Sergeant Maria Ord and the city centre Neighbourhood Policing Team, the targeted approach was launched to ensure Sunderland remained a safe city in the festive run-up for residents, shoppers and businesses.

And the latest results speak for themselves – with reports of crime down by 37 per cent overall in comparison to the same dates in the previous year. This also saw prominent offences such as burglary down by 71 per cent and violent crimes down by 30 per cent.

Other activity led to officers and partners stopping more than 160 people, as well as making 10 arrests and issuing 44 dispersal notices.

Operation Kraken forms part of a wider ongoing collaboration between police and partners – including the recent launch of the Sunderland Altogether Improving Lives (SAIL) project.

Sgt Ord, of Northumbria Police, said the drop in reports are thanks to the dedicated activity and continued teamwork between all agencies.

She said: “In recent years, we have enjoyed some fantastic results through our dedicated Christmas operation which has led to a significant reduction in city centre crime, including anti-social behaviour.

“And the festive run-up in 2022 was no different which saw a massive 37 per cent drop in crime rates overall from the previous year.

“These brilliant results are testament to the hard work of our officers and partners to crackdown on criminality in the area, so everyone could enjoy the city centre during the festive period, hassle-free.

“Please know that our work is never done – and anyone who comes into Sunderland with the intention of causing trouble or committing crime can expect to be dealt with robustly.

“This type of operation is only possible through fantastic teamwork and dedication from all agencies involved, so I’d like to extend my thanks to them for their continued support.”

Councillor Graeme Miller, Leader of Sunderland City Council and Chair of the Safer Sunderland Partnership, said: “We know from our recent residents’ survey, the importance that our residents place on tackling anti-social behaviour.

“Past experience has shown us just how effective joint operations like this can be, the 37 per cent drop in crime rates compared to the same period last year speaks for itself in terms of the operation’s success.

“We’ve continued to build on this partnership approach with the recent launch of the city centre SAIL project (Sunderland Altogether Improving Lives) which brings together the expertise of partner agencies under one roof with the aim of making the city centre a more attractive and safer place to visit.”

Kirstie Currie, Operations Manager at Sunderland BID, said: “It’s fantastic news to see that once again Operation Kraken has had real results and has shown criminals that we simply won’t tolerate anti-social behaviour of any kind at Christmas or any other time of year.

“It’s a positive response to a partnership which continues to go from strength to strength.”

Karen Eve, Centre Director at The Bridges, said: “The Bridges is delighted to once again have played a really active role in ensuring the city centre is a safe and welcoming place to shop in the run-up to Christmas and throughout the year.

“Working with both the Police and the BID shows that we can get really positive results and to see the substantial drop in crime figures is really heartening and confirms that working in partnership can create real results.”

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, said: “These results from our Neighbourhood Policing Team in Sunderland are a great start to the new year and set out how we mean to go on fighting crime in the area.

“A 37 per cent fall in crime rates is already being hugely welcomed by local people. The arrests and dispersal orders make it clear to would be offenders that Northumbria Police and everyone coming together on this are geared up and ready to take action and keep driving crime down. My thanks go to all involved in these continued efforts to improve lives in the area.”

If you see anything suspicious in your community, always report it to police via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page on our website or by calling 101. In an emergency, or if a crime is taking place, always ring 999.

You can also stay up to date on the latest news in your area through Northumbria Connected – sign up on the website.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness is urging those who are worried about someone’s relationship not to turn a blind eye and to call Findaway for advice.

Sunderland-based charity Wearside Women in Need has set-up the Findaway project this year specifically to help concerned mums, dads, friends and colleagues – as research has revealed 62 per cent of survivors tell a friend or family member about the abuse before telling anyone else.

For many, Christmas is about spending more time with family and friends, meaning abusive relationships sometimes come to light during this time. Others, however, are stopped from seeing their families at all, which can be another red flag for concerned relatives.

Historically, domestic abuse rates rise during the festive period and experts fear this year numbers will be made even worse, as situations are impacted by the cost-of-living crisis.

If alarm bells are ringing, it’s vital those who people turn to for support have access to support themselves, says Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner who is backing the innovative project, along with her Violence Reduction Unit.

Findaway is there to equip family members and friends with the knowledge, understanding and skills needed so they can support loved ones who choose to confide in them.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness said: “We all know someone affected by domestic abuse – and importantly, we can all help. So, my message to people is to keep a look out for it. And if there are things that worry you, Findaway is there to help you too.

“It’s a unique service in that it’s there to support the people around the victim and by doing so we hope that help soon reaches the victim too. We are very lucky to have such a ground-breaking, dedicated service like this in the North East and I’m proud that our region is recognising this need and is leading the way.

“If you’re a worried mum, dad, sister, whatever, – members of the team at Findaway are just on the other end of the phone. They’re there to listen to you, and to provide you with information, understanding and options, so you can decide how best to support the person you’re worried about. It’s anonymous; it’s confidential. People often say they worry about the repercussions – and they don’t want to make things worse. Well, this helpline aims to take that worry away and support the supporter. I want to thank Findaway for bringing this idea to life – this is a crucial way of reaching victims with the help they need.”

Findaway Project Co-ordinator Ciara Barrett Smith, said: “We know that people who are in controlling and potentially dangerous relationships usually tell their families and friends before they ask for help from specialist services. We believe that you, as families, friends and community members, are best placed to offer support and have an important role to play in helping people subjected to abuse. We also recognise that you may need support, information and other tools to effectively help the people you care about. We want to work with you to make this happen. Together we can find a way.”

If you’re worried someone you know is being controlled, scared, or hurt by their partner, ex-partner, or family member – you can speak to a trained advisor on 0300 140 0061.

During the festive period, the Findaway anonymous phoneline will be running on reduced hours. However, if we’re unable to answer straight away please leave a voicemail and a member of the team be able to call you back at a time convenient to you (including evenings and weekends).

You can also visit the Findaway website for more information on red flags and how to support someone you’re worried about: www.wefindaway.org.uk

If you feel you may be on the wrong path and want support around your behaviour you can contact the national helpline Respect 0808 802 4040 (Monday to Friday 9am-8pm).

Anyone who is victim of abuse can contact police via the ‘Report an incident’ page on our website or by calling 101. If you are in immediate danger, always call 999.

You can also find out more information on our website – just search ‘Domestic Abuse Northumbria Police’.

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PRESS RELEASE

LEAZES PARK is one of six parks across the North East, leading the way with improving public safety – by installing a new help point, funded through Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness’ Safer Parks initiative.

Launching the initiative, Kim vowed to do everything in her power to improve women’s safety and to deliver solutions that would address concerns raised by local women.

One such solution is the installation of a new help point in Leazes Park, in partnership with Urban Green Newcastle. The help point links directly to Newcastle City Council’s control room and its 24/7 live CCTV. It means that an emergency response can be summoned immediately by the simple press of a button.

The new technology has been introduced by the council, Urban Green and the Police Commissioner’s office who have come together with the aim of reassuring park users and deterring potential perpetrators from committing unacceptable behaviours.

Newcastle United Football Club have also been praised for supporting the initiative enabling a technological installation at St James’ Park to help with the CCTV and help point transmissions.

Following extensive research, Kim McGuinness unveiled a host of plans to create safer environments for women in the region and pledged more than £2m to make public spaces safer.

As well as wanting to see more police patrols, volunteers and wardens, work has been underway in our parks to make physical improvements such as improved sightlines across vegetation and a review of lighting within the park has been undertaken.

There have also been social action ‘reclaim our parks’ events happening across the region and plans are currently underway to roll out behaviour change interventions – aimed particularly at men and boys – which would ‘challenge the behaviour of individuals that make women feel unsafe’.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, said: “As a woman, I know, and I understand the fears and concerns we all have when we pop our running shoes on or walk home through the park when it gets dark. It shouldn’t be like that but that’s the world we live in. If there are things we can do to improve people’s safety and make parks feel more comfortable, we must do them.

“Leazes is a popular park right in the heart of our city and I don’t want anything to stand in people’s way from getting out there and enjoying it.

“This help point shows we have listened, and we are acting on women’s concerns and suggestions. The help point is just one example of a range of solutions being rolled out to reassure people of the help that’s available to them.”

“Sadly, there is only so far Government funding will go towards our Safer Parks plans. The more we do to create safer, inclusive environments and change harmful attitudes and behaviours, the better, and I will keep on with the fight for more funding and more positive change.”

Emma Armstrong-Smith, Ranger Team Leader, Urban Green Newcastle:

“The Urban Green Newcastle team work hard with volunteers and partners to make Leazes Park a safe welcoming green space in the heart of the city. The Safer Parks project has aligned with the winter works programme in the park to reduce vegetation and open up sightlines and with so many people getting stuck in the results have been outstanding.”

“As a small charity we continually look for opportunities to develop new partnerships as we have with the Police and Crime Commissioner to make the parks safe, secure and welcoming for everyone. We have welcomed the opportunity to work closely with partners at Newcastle City Council on the trial of the Help Point and thank everyone involved for all their hard work and enthusiasm for the project.”

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Following recent tragedy in the region, resulting in the loss of two 14 year olds, Police Commissioner Kim McGuinness has reinforced her message that violent crime has no place in communities, and through the Violence Reduction Unit’s Local Youth Fund, she now wants to hear from young people on how they think crime can be prevented. 

With £15,000 available, young people are asked to put forward their ideas on projects or activities that they feel are needed in their local community. As part of this fund, the Violence Reduction Unit is particularly keen to hear ideas on what would make young people stop carrying knives and what would make them feel safer.  

This unique fund continues to put young people from Northumberland, Tyne and Wear at the heart of the decision-making process. Not only do they get the chance to bid for funding up to £500, but through the North East Youth Alliance, a panel of young people are tasked with reviewing applications and deciding which of them should receive the funding. 

Thanks to previous rounds, almost £30,000 has already made a difference to around 4,000 young people through projects and activities they bid for, including a variety of sports activities, training programmes for personal development, improving local areas and a focus on health and well-being.  

By developing their own projects, young people are gaining experience, learning new skills and building their confidence, all of which have a positive influence on future life choices.  

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness said: “In recent months, our region has experienced the devastating impact of serious violence, with the tragic loss of two 14 year olds. This is violence at it its worst and it has no place in our communities. Choosing violence such as picking up a knife is never the right answer and I will continue to do all I can to prevent further tragedy, but, I also want to hear from our young people – what do they want in their local community and what do they think would prevent crime. That’s why the Violence Reduction Unit have launched a fourth round of the Local Youth Fund, giving young people the chance to do exactly that. So, if you have an idea that you want to tell us about, or know someone who might, apply to this fund and you could be helping to make a difference in your local area.”  

She added: “In previous rounds, we have seen young people gaining new skills and growing in confidence, which is why I can’t stress enough how important it is that we continue to give them access to opportunities. With the right support, we can help our young people make positive choices for the future and reduce their chance of becoming involved in crime.” 

On behalf of the North East Youth Alliance, NE Youth Chief Executive Jon Niblo said: “We are delighted to work collaboratively with the Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit to provide young people with the opportunity to develop small projects that make a real difference in their communities.” 

For more information on the Local Youth Fund, please visit the Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit website.  

£177,000 worth of money that crime fighting officers have seized from drug dealers, human traffickers and thieves, will be used to benefit grass root causes, as part of the latest round of Kim McGuinness’ Operation Payback fund.

The fund uses monies obtained through the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA). Last month a £19,608 confiscation order was made by Northumbria Police, following a successful conviction for weapon offences and money laundering.

Meanwhile in Sunderland, cash and assets with a total value of £57,685 were seized by officers when a man was arrested for drug possession with intent to supply, as well as kidnap. The offender is now serving time in a prison in Belgium.

These money will now go into the Operation Payback funding pot and the Commissioner’s plan is to invest it in game changing ideas to give local kids opportunities and keep them out of trouble both during school holidays and throughout the year.

Youth clubs, sports teams, community hubs and schools are the types of organisations that the Northumbria Police Commissioner wants to help with much needed cash.

The Commissioner’s plan is focused on getting money back into the right hands – the hands of those who are improving lives and preventing crime in their local neighbourhoods. She will be welcoming applications from December 1.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, said: “There have been some fantastic results by Northumbria Police lately – lots of arrests and lots of money has been taken back and out of the wrong hands.

“There’s no better use for cash seized from crime than channelling it right back into our communities – to help prevent more crime. Yes, our police know local ASB hotspots and are busy planning extra patrols and crackdown operations, particularly in our open spaces and on public transport, but if we are going to curb the number of incidents, I want to throw everything at helping young people access the alternative – let’s prevent crime in the first place.

“To do this I want to see real action and activities that kids want and benefit from and that in turn, will keep them out of trouble.”

She added: “The ‘Cost of Living’ crisis is hitting far too many people, particularly in our region, and not everyone can afford to keep kids busy. So, this is me asking young people and asking communities – what do they want to have on offer on their doorstep, to help keep them entertained.

“And this isn’t all about the kids,” she continued. “This helps improve the quality of life for everyone in our communities and reduces the number of victims. People tell me they feel intimidated by groups of youths gathering at the Metro or vandalising their local park. I want to give kids a far more attractive way to spend their time, exploring their talents – boxing, dance, football, music – you tell me.”

Detective Chief Inspector Caroline Ord, of Northumbria Police, said: “We have already seen so many fantastic community projects and groups grow and help others thanks to Operation Payback – and thankfully the work isn’t stopping there.

“Work will continue on all sides to disrupt and dismantle organised crime and those profiting of their criminal actions, with the money seized being invested back into the amazing communities we serve.

“To be able to support organisations doing such good work with money funded from the proceeds of crime is fantastic- taking the money out of the hands of criminals and investing it back into the communities these crimes have impacted.”

The fund will open on 1st December 2022 and Close on 15th January 2023 and full details will be available on the Police Commissioner’s website.

Operation Payback is part of a much wider of action happening across the Northumbria Police force area as part of plans to tackle issues like ASB and knife crime.

The aim of the fund is to support the work of Northumbria Police and help prevent crime and anti-social behaviour, which will in turn improve lives for local people.

Apply here:

Operation Payback