THE police officer taking the lead of tackling domestic abuse in North Wales will feature on a Channel 5 documentary ‘How to leave an abusive partner safely in lockdown’.
The episode will be shown tomorrow (Wednesday, May 13) at 10pm.
In it, experts offer a comprehensive guide to walking away from an abusive relationship safely.
In the documentary, PC Mike Taggart says: "Domestic abuse is a crime which occurs behind closed doors, which makes it extremely difficult for police to sometimes evidence that abuse is ongoing. I would always suggest that victims would keep a log of things that are going on. If they do sustain any injuries as a result of some physical abuse, take photographs of those injuries and, where possible, pass them on to a friend on your phone do you can delete them and the perpetrator is not going to be able to find them and obviously query as to why you have them."
In the episode, updated for life in lockdown, experts offer a comprehensive guide to the essential steps which would allow a victim of domestic abuse to prepare themselves emotionally and practically to walk away safely.
In addition to PC Taggart it includes advice from an independent domestic violence advisor, a therapist, a refuge manager, a GP, and a victim support manager.
Earlier this year, PC Mike Taggart was presented with the Tackling Exploitation Award for his continued commitment of driving the message of Domestic Abuse locally, regionally and nationally. He has developed an extensive network of contacts with charities and organisations to raise the profile of domestic abuse, working on initiatives such as the ‘Would you make the cut’ roadshow which was presented by him to the hair and beauty industry.
PC Taggart also recently attended the Senedd at Cardiff Bay as a key note speaker at the National Women’s Institute where he shared a stage with Alyn and Deeside Assembly Member Jack Sargeant.
North Wales Police works closely with partners to tackle domestic abuse and is reminding people that they will continue to deal with incidents while agencies are on hand to offer support during the coronavirus lockdown.
There is an expectation around the world that domestic violence will rise as the pressures imposed on relationships mount during the lockdowns.
There is also a concern that the reporting of incidents may fall because victims are spending so much time with their abuser.
For information about support available visit www.north-wales.police.uk/advice-and-support/stay-safe/domestic-abuse/da-support
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