A Cotswold councillor has said ‘we have to stop thinking domestic abuse doesn’t happen here’ as efforts to keep rural communities safe are stepped up.

Cllr Jenny Forde, cabinet member for health, wellbeing and public safety, asked Cotswold District Council this week to confirm its commitment to tackle domestic abuse in all its forms.

In November the council participated in the 16 Days of Action campaign, which contributed towards an increase in domestic abuse reports in the Cotswolds.

Throughout the campaign, the council delivered training to staff and local partner organisations.

Cllr Jenny Forde, said: “We have to stop thinking domestic abuse doesn’t happen here. This motion is part of our move to bring this taboo issue out into the open, to shine a light on the District and combat domestic abuse in a powerful and meaningful way.

“I’m pleased that as a Council we are taking this issue seriously by developing an ongoing programme of events and awareness-raising across the Cotswolds, particularly in our rural areas where abuse can go on for longer undetected.

“We will continue to work with our partners and across our services, to equip our residents with the resilience to eradicate this horrendous crime.”

There were 751 domestic abuse referrals made in the Cotswolds district in the year up to March 2019.

Nick Gazzard, from the Hollie Gazzard Trust, a charity set up after Hollie’s murder in 2014, attended council this week to deliver a presentation around the education and awareness raising the trust has delivered over the past six years.

Nick said: “Hollie Gazzard Trust are delighted to be partnering with Cotswold District Council and helping to raise awareness of domestic abuse, stalking and knife crime throughout the Cotswolds.

"We’re hoping that we can start to get into communities and businesses to raise awareness and help safeguard employees and individuals in those communities through the work that we do.”

For advice or to report an incident of domestic abuse call Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Support Service on 01452 726570 email support@gdass.org.uk or visit gdass.org.uk.

To learn more about the Hollie Gazzard trust visit holliegazzard.org