Love Shouldn't Hurt

As we approach Valentine’s Day, most people in relationships will enjoy celebrating their love for each other. However, for many this won’t be a time for being romantic. People suffering domestic abuse, stalking and harassment may have reasons to fear an increase in abusive behaviour.

The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) for Humberside and the Humber Violence Prevention Partnership run a media campaign at key points in the year aimed at preventing domestic abuse.

The campaign has two aims:

• Encourage those who commit abuse to face up to the damage caused by their actions and seek help to change.
• Support people affected by abusive behaviour.

Local Support

Our Valentine-themed awareness campaign carries messages highlighting the services available for those affected by abuse or harassment. The campaign message, ‘Love Shouldn’t Hurt’ will direct people to support services in their local area who are able to help.

These services can be viewed on the below websites:

Clare's Law

The campaign includes information on Clare’s Law. This gives people the right to access a current or former partner’s history of abusive behaviour.

Under Clare’s Law, people can access information through two key routes:

• Right to Ask – Anyone concerned about a partner’s potentially abusive past can request information from the police. This right is also extended to friends and family members worried about a loved one’s relationship.
• Right to Know – If police uncover information suggesting someone may be at risk, they have the power to proactively share this with the individual involved.

By using Clare’s Law, people can gain insights into a partner’s history, helping them protect themselves and their loved ones from potential harm.

Stalking and Harassment

The campaign also focuses on stalking and harassment. This covers a broad category of offences including people who receive unwanted attention and controlling behaviour from people who may or may not be known to them. The message aims to help these individuals recognise their actions are wrong and to get help to change their behaviour, emphasising that stalking and harassment is a crime.

Educating Young People on Healthy Relationships

Our 'Anyone. Anywhere.' campaign helps young people understand the differences between healthy and unhealthy relationships.

Developed by Engaging Education with secondary school pupils and staff, the resources provide practical advice for young people to recognise the signs of abuse, seek support and help others.

The free content includes lesson modules, downloadable posters, social media assets and a digital parent guide.

A Note from the Police and Crime Commissioner

Police and Crime Commissioner Jonathan Evison said:

"Our campaign not only aims to raise awareness of services available to support victims of domestic abuse, but also has an increased emphasis on targeting the perpetrators of abuse, getting them to recognise their behaviour is wrong, the damage it causes and to face up to the fact that they need help to change and stop their behaviour. We are also sending a clear message that stalking and harassment is a crime.

“Once again we are also highlighting the local support services available for anyone affected by abusive behaviour and I hope this will help them to escape the cycle of abuse and find a better life. Help is out there, you are not alone.”