People suffering domestic abuse in rural areas feel isolated, don’t have support services on their doorstep and access to information is sparser, according to a police study.
The 18-month study identified “areas of vulnerability” for rural victims but also praised Lincolnshire as a “leading edge” in tackling the issue.
The areas of vulnerability identified in the report include: “Individuals in rural areas don’t have support services on their doorstep, meaning it can be harder for them to seek and access help.
“People living in rural areas may feel isolated, which can lead them to feeling trapped in an abusive situation.
“Often rural communities are close-knit, meaning people may find it harder to speak out and ask for help.
“Access to education and information is sometimes more sparse in rural areas, so knowledge of how to seek help is not as easy to attain for people who endure domestic abuse.”
The report praised the county for its partnership approach – the Police and Crime Commissioner, Lincolnshire County Council, and Lincolnshire Police have a close working relationship in relation to responding to domestic abuse, looking at how the specialist services are commissioned, information sharing, and working with a wide range of agencies who have contact with people who may be ‘hidden’ from sight.
Assistant Chief Constable Kerrin Wilson, Lincolnshire Police, said: “Domestic abuse is everybody’s business.
“What this report shows is not only the devastating impact on victims and families, but also what we can do to better help those enduring this horrendous crime but those who are looking for avenues by which they can access help. The learning the survey has given us is invaluable.
“We still have so much to do to educate people and prevent abusers from continuing to commit this awful crime.”
