A response officer from Blackburn committed to safeguarding victims of domestic abuse, has successfully teamed up with Tesco to deliver emergency provisions to those fleeing through fear of violence.

PC Dave Mullen obtained funding from Lancashire Partnership Against Crime (LANPAC); a unique collaboration between Lancashire Constabulary, Lancashire Businesses and Public Services working together to reduce levels of crime and disorder across the county. With the funding, PC Mullen approached the local Tesco who agreed to support the initiative by supplying mobile phones, complete with a £10 top up so victims in need could make an emergency phone-call. Dave then filled the Contact Book with a list of numbers to help those in need access housing, food banks, domestic violence charities and mental health support to help survivors and their families get back on their feet.

Working together, Tesco colleagues and PC Mullen also filled emergency packs to include toothbrush, toothpaste, shower gel and other basic necessities, and are available to those who need to be re-housed when fleeing domestic abuse, are trafficking victims or otherwise at risk.

Talking about the initiative, PC Mullen said “those who flee domestic abuse are in crisis; they often leave, perhaps with young children, with just the clothes on their backs and sometimes with nothing else.

“Sometimes they come to us, and they have nobody else to turn to and they cannot return home, or are being harassed by the person(s) they’ve left and we need to make quick decisions to safeguard that person; while this includes taking positive action against offenders, this also includes supporting the victims in every way we can with our dedicated partners to get them basic provision and a place of safety.

“I’d just like to thank Leah, from the local Blackburn Tesco who has been working with us to provide these essential kits to victims of domestic abuse, human trafficking or who are otherwise vulnerable. Your kindness is appreciated.

“I would urge anyone who is experiencing domestic abuse to please come forward and speak with us, reporting online or in an emergency 999. In East Lancashire, we have the benefit of Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVAs) who are completely independent of the police, provided by the fantastic Wish Centre, and are ready to listen. If you need help, but you’re not ready to speak to us please do reach out to charities like Women’s Aid, or The Wish Centre, Blackburn, who can and will support you”