Sentencing slammed as abuse campaign launched

Published 16 Dec 2009 16:36 0 Comments

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By Rosalyn Campbell

A LOCAL women's group has condemned acts of violence receiving lenient sentences in the courts - after a Johnstone thug who beat up two females walked free from court last week.

Women's Aid have spoken out just as the local police warned there will be no hiding place this festive season for violent brutes who destroy lives through domestic abuse.

The warning comes as Renfrewshire cops revealed they will deal with about 80 domestic abuse calls a week over the Christmas holidays - double the usual number of incidents.

Brian Smart, 54, of Gibson Crescent, was last week given a £1,000 fine after beating up his niece and a pensioner in Floors Street, Johnstone, on June 22 this year.

He punched the pensioner so hard she lost a tooth, and his niece was left black and blue from the attack.

A spokesperson for Renfrewshire Women's Aid said: "Renfrewshire Women's Aid condemns all acts of violence against women and as such would like to see sentencing that reflects the seriousness of these crimes. We offer confidential support, information and safe accommodation for women and their children affected by domestic abuse.

"Call Renfrewshire Women's Aid in complete confidence on 01415617030 or the Domestic Abuse helpline on 08000271234."

Last year police in Renfrewshire investigated well over 2,000 incidents involving domestic abuse.

These ranged from attempted murder, to smashing up the family home, to victims being slapped or verbally abused. In the vast majority of these incidents the victims were women who had been abused by their male partners.

In many cases children were present and witnessed their mother being abused.

While these figures are bad enough, the really worrying factor is that they represent just the tip of the iceberg. Figures provided by the Scottish Government and Scottish Women's Aid indicate that victims do not contact the authorities until they are at the end of their tether, often having been abused multiple times over a period of many years.

Superintendent Donald McCallum, in charge of policing in Renfrewshire, said: "Any form of domestic abuse in a civilised society is unacceptable and will be subject to thorough investigation by the police.

"The level of domestic abuse incidents occurring in Renfrewshire is significant and requires to be addressed as the consequences for the direct victims, and their immediate family (particularly any children) can be devastating.

"It may come as a surprise to some that with the approach of Christmas and what should be the season of goodwill, domestic abuse complaints actually increase.

"This is a trend that we are determined to address. Consequently this year we have set up a special team to help prevent the occurrence of domestic abuse incidents, which will entail targeting repeat offenders and rigorously enforcing relevant bail conditions and warrants."

Strathclyde Police, in partnership with Safer and Stronger Renfrewshire Partnership and Renfrewshire Women's Aid have come together to raise awareness of Domestic Abuse and ensure that people are aware of the services available to anyone affected over the festive period.

There are a number of services that can assist if you require support:

Renfrewshire Women's Aid: 0141 561 7030

Strathclyde Police: 0141 532 5900

Rape Crisis Scotland Helpline: 0808 810 0302

Royal Alexandra Hospital: 0141 887 9111

Scottish Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0800 027 1234

Victim Support Renfrewshire: 0141 887 0328

Breathing Space Helpline: 0800 83 85 87

Sandyford Renfrewshire Sexual Health Service: 0141 314 0726

Social Work Standby: 0800 811 505

Renfrewshire Homeless Centre: 0800 811 505

Renfrewshire Council Addiction Services: 0141 889 1223

Women and Children 1st Service: 0141 887 7227

This article appeared in The Gazette 16 Dec 09

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