Off the street, into the home

A POLICE crackdown on town centre violence has led to thugs unleashing their aggression in the home, says a refuge worker.

That is the bleak verdict of the woman in charge of a Swindon safe house.

Jenni Manners, of the Swindon Women's Refuge, says the clampdown on drunken louts has helped fuel a sharp rise in incidents of domestic violence.

There are currently 23 families staying at the refuge, whereas the average for the time of year is 18.

Ms Manners said: "There has been a phenomenal rise in domestic violence over the past few weeks.

"I think the high-profile police operation is one factor behind it. There are also other reasons, such as the hot weather, which makes tempers fray.

"People are no longer venting their anger on the streets on a Saturday night. Instead they are taking it home to their partners.

"I am not blaming the police. They are simply dealing with an issue which the public wants them to tackle."

Mrs Manners and her team have also noticed a 20 per cent increase in calls to a domestic violence helpline which they run. She believes the problem of violent behaviour needs to be looked at much more comprehensively if a long-term solution is to be found.

"Research shows we are becoming a more aggressive society," she said. "And domestic violence is increasing across the country."

She believes one solution would be to tackle symptoms of aggressive behaviour at a younger age.

This is not the first time Ms Manners has noticed a link between police 'get-tough' campaigns and an increase in domestic violence.

She said: "Around 10 years ago, Swindon police carried out an operation in Old Town, where the area was swamped with officers after throwing-out time to tackle rowdy behaviour.

"We both noticed a rise in domestic violence."

In June, Swindon police announced a blitz on alcohol-fuelled anti-social behaviour.

Since then, more officers have been drafted in to patrol the town centre and a surveillance van has been used to capture yobs on camera.

Acting Superintendent Paul Williams denied the crackdown had contributed to domestic violence.

He said: "We are conscious that there has been an under-reporting of domestic violence in the past and the profile of this issue has been raised in recent times. We work in partnership with other agencies to encourage individuals to report instances of domestic violence.

"This has been supported through national campaigns and advertising.

"Nationally, legislation is currently going through Parliament to tighten the law on domestic violence.

"Officers from our Domestic Violence Unit work closely with the Women's Refuge but we are not aware of a link between police activity in the town centre and an increase in domestic violence.

"More victims are now coming forward due to a heightened awareness of the issue and I understand this increase is reflected nationally."

It is estimated that there are about 15,000 instances of domestic violence in Swindon each year.

Tamash Lal

Kevin Shoesmith