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Bedfordshire Police and partners are working together to raise awareness of domestic abuse and sexual offences as part of the national UK Says No more Week campaign, running 6-12 March 2022.
Domestic abuse and sexual offenses can affect anyone regardless of ethnicity, age, gender, sexuality or social background.
We are working with our partners to tackle perpetrators of domestic abuse and sexual assault.
Domestic abuse is any incident of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are or have been intimate partners or family members, regardless of their gender or sexuality.
This can include but isn't limited to the following types of abuse; physical, emotional, psychological, sexual and financial.
Domestic abuse also includes honour-based abuse and forced marriage.
There is a dedicated domestic abuse team, Emerald, which include a number of specially trained officers and service.
The legal definition of rape is when a person intentionally penetrates another's vagina, anus or mouth with a penis, without the other person's consent. The overall definition of sexual or indecent assault is an act of physical, psychological and emotional violation in the form of a sexual act, inflicted on someone without their consent.
Sexual assault can cause severe distress, emotional harm and injuries which can't be seen – all of which can take a long time to recover from. This is why we use the term 'assault’ and treat reports just as seriously as those of violent, physical attacks.
There is a dedicated Rape and Serious Sexual Offence team at Bedfordshire who support investigations.
Many of the behaviours and attitudes which make women and girls feel unsafe fall below the criminal threshold, yet patterns of behaviour need to change in order to make society a safer, and more respectful place, for all.
Recognising behaviours and crimes is key to stamping out misogynistic and abusive practices. A Crimestoppers campaign supported in Bedfordshire details some forms of unwanted sexual behaviour.
Remember, any form of sexual contact requires mutual consent, and it can only be given if the person is free and has capacity to give their consent.
You can report information and crimes to police by calling 101, or speak to us through our webchat service.
If you have information but you want to remain anonymous you can speak up by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
In an emergency, always call 999.
If you can share your experiences and views with us, you will be helping to inform our police approach to tackling male violence against women and girls. Complete our survey.
Stepping Stones (Luton)
Help for women who have suffered domestic abuse.
Women's Aid Luton
Voluntary organisation supporting women and children who are experiencing domestic abuse - refuge, outreach, drop-in, advice line.
Luton All Women’s Centre
Support and services run by women, for women.
Hollie Guard app
Hollie Guard is a leading personal safety platform. Feeling unsafe? Shake your phone and the Hollie Guard app will send an alert.
StreetSafe
Tell us about places you have felt or feel unsafe.
Clare’s Law
Are you worried your partner may have been abusive in the past? Clare’s Law enables you to make enquiries about your partner. We may then be able to disclose if your partner has a record of abusive behaviour and provide you with support.
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