Get set to join online debate on domestic abuse

Sussex Police want web users to join them in thinking about the issue and asking questions in the live chat on their website.

A panel of domestic abuse experts will be discussing the subject and answering queries, which can be submitted beforehand and during the debate live today (Wednesday, December 5) from midday until 1pm.

This will be followed by an online chat, similar to instant messaging, to give people the opportunity to speak to the panel in more depth and to be able to speak directly to a survivor of domestic abuse.

Detective Sergeant Lloyd Lewis, from the East Sussex Adult Protection Team, said: “Surprisingly some people still have little sympathy for victims of domestic abuse who stay in relationships, believing it is up them to leave or change the situation.

“In terms of crime, people are far more likely to raise concerns about robbery, burglary, criminal damage and anti-social behaviour but are reluctant to report domestic abuse.

“We are holding the live debate to get people talking about this issue. If people witnessed a crime or saw someone in need of help, they would report it and we want people to think about domestic abuse in the same way.”

This is part of a number of events Sussex Police and partners are involved in to mark White Ribbon, the international day for the elimination of violence against women.

To hear first hand from a survivor of domestic abuse click here

To post a question for the live debate, click here

East Sussex Adult Protection Team, which is a team of specialist detectives responsible for reducing the risk of harm to victims of domestic have taken to social media to encourage people to talk about domestic abuse and to report it. You can follow them on twitter @EastSussexAPT