An Angus domestic abuse campaigner has warned alcohol is no excuse for hitting a woman.
Dr Julia Egan, chairwoman of the Angus Violence against Women Partnership, said the perpetrator is ”always entirely responsible.”
She was speaking at the launch in Carnoustie of a poster campaign to promote safe, sensible drinking and provide details of the support available for anyone affected by domestic abuse.
Angus Violence against Women Partnership (AVAWP) and the Focus on Alcohol Angus Project have developed the poster campaign as part of the 16 Days of Action for the elimination of violence against women.
In Angus, police deal with around 1,000 incidents of domestic abuse each year. Many more go unreported and in 90% of cases, children are in the room or nearby when mothers are being attacked.
Dr Egan said: ”There is absolutely no excuse whatsoever for domestic abuse and that includes the use of alcohol.
”The perpetrator is always entirely responsible. It is never the victim’s fault.
”Although it’s obviously a season for families and fun, we do see increased levels of domestic abuse at this time of year and research has shown that the violence used is more likely to be at the severe end of the spectrum when the perpetrator consumes alcohol.
”That’s why we are delighted to be working together with the Focus on Alcohol Project in helping to promote safe, sensible drinking.”
Tayside Police said levels of domestic abuse increase at this time of year and alcohol is often a factor. Those who emotionally or physically abuse partners have been warned they will be dealt with ”decisively”.
The force has launched Operation Linchpin 4, this year’s initiative to tackle the typical winter rise in the crime.
Police have teamed up with local charities and support services to help those who are targeted by abuse in the home, as well as tracking down those commit the offences.
Chief Superintendent Kevin Lynch said: ”Alcohol can at times be used as convenient reasoning to justify an individual’s oppressive or aggressive behaviour towards women and this is simply not acceptable.
”Under no circumstances can alcohol be used as an excuse for any form of violence or abuse, particularly within a domestic situation. I fully support the launch today, which directly aligns to the objectives set out through the ongoing Operation Linchpin.
”Operation Linchpin directly targets the issue of violence and abuse in the home and we must do all we can to better protect and support the victims of domestic violence or abuse, and reduce the harm it causes to vulnerable members of the community.
”The poster campaign launched today will support this aim in raising an awareness of these issues.”
Operation Linchpin 4 will run throughout the festive period until January 27. During that time domestic abuse officers and public protection detective inspectors will have the direct assistance of the Tayside Police Community Task Force.
These will be further supported by the Violence Against Women Partnership (in Dundee, Angus, and Perth and Kinross), Barnardo’s, the White Ribbon Scotland Campaign and the Community Justice Authority.
Almost half of the women in the UK will experience domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking.
In the vast majority of cases, men are the perpetrators 51,926 domestic abuse incidents were recorded in Scotland in 2009/10 and women were the victims in 82% of cases.For further help visit whiteribbonscotland.org.uk or avawp.org.uk