I wouldn’t call the cops to report domestic abuse – I don’t know if they would take it seriously, Mel B reveals
MEL B has revealed she wouldn't call the cops to report domestic abuse as she doesn't think they would take it seriously.
The Spice Girl, 47, said the "entire system" would have to change before she - or others - felt safe reaching out for help.
Mel B says she started campaigning for domestic abuse victims after leaving what she described as a hellish abusive relationship.
In an interview with , she was asked if she would today report abuse to the police.
The 47-year-old instantly responded: "I wouldn't, because I wouldn't know if they would take it seriously.
"They're going to have to redo the entire system, just like the justice system, where you do have belief, where you do have trust, and you do feel safe reaching out."
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The mum-of-three, who became a patron for charity Women's Aid in 2018, said domestic violence was getting worse.
She revealed: "It's getting younger and younger and more and more widespread because these abusers just get away with it."
Mel B said to change that, the whole system needed to be rejigged.
She said: "It's like every aspect you turn to needs to be re-looked at, re-educated.
"It should all come from an experienced point, like Women's Aide and everybody should be playing by the same rules."
Mel B had previously revealed she felt powerless during her 10-year domestic abuse hell.
Speaking at a Sun and Women’s Aid event last year, the star bravely told her tale of living with her abusive ex and asked: “How many more must die?”
Meanwhile, it was recently revealed 300,000 kids whose parents have split are losing out on cash because a government body takes a cut of the payment owed.
Over half are from families where one parent has suffered domestic abuse from the other.
How you can get help
Women's Aid has this advice for victims and their families:
- Always keep your phone nearby.
- Get in touch with charities for help, including the Women’s Aid live chat helpline and services such as SupportLine.
- If you are in danger, call 999.
- Familiarise yourself with the Silent Solution, reporting abuse without speaking down the phone, instead dialing “55”.
- Always keep some money on you, including change for a pay phone or bus fare.
- If you suspect your partner is about to attack you, try to go to a lower-risk area of the house – for example, where there is a way out and access to a telephone.
- Avoid the kitchen and garage, where there are likely to be knives or other weapons. Avoid rooms where you might become trapped, such as the bathroom, or where you might be shut into a cupboard or other small space.
If you are a victim of domestic abuse, SupportLine is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 6pm to 8pm on 01708 765200. The charity’s email support service is open weekdays and weekends during the crisis – messageinfo@supportline.org.uk.
Women’s Aid provides a - available weekdays from 8am-6pm and weekends 10am-6pm.
You can also call the freephone 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247.