I AM surprised that the issue of domestic violence was left out of your news item last week on The Warrington Crime Audit, particularly as it forms an important part of the Community Safety plan for the Town.

There is much work going on to raise awareness of what is now accepted as a crime. Indeed I know that the police in Warrington take the whole issue very seriously. It does form a central part of the Crime & Disorder Act and has been made a priority for action by the Government.

Of course, by its very nature, this crime is difficult to report and measure. However, this does not mean it should be forgotten.

At a recent conference in Preston, HRH The Princess Royal spoke very eloquently on the subject in her capacity as President of the Patrons of Crime Concern, drawing attention to the need for concrete action plans to be drawn up in a committed multi-agency approach. She also pointed out how much children suffer being exposed to domestic violence and that much more work is required in this respect.

I know there are a minority of men who are sufferers but the overwhelming majority are women. Domestic violence is a crime no matter who is hurt.

May I take this opportunity to reassure all those who are suffering from the crime of domestic violence that they have not been overlooked.

CLR. JOAN HARPIN

Chair, Warrington Domestic Violence Forum

Roby Grove

Great Sankey

The article in last week's GUARDIAN was based around the key themes of the town's crime audit. While domestic violence is indeed a very important area, it was not highlighted specifically by Crime Concern as a 'key theme' - Ed

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