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Every year on July 14th a National Day of Memory (DOM) is held to remember all those that lost their lives to honour killings. There are an estimated 12 'honour' killings each year in the UK although the exact number is unknown. The annual day of remembrance, initiated by Karma Nirvana in 2015, is held each year on July 14 - the birthday of Shafilea Ahmed who was murdered by her parents in 2003 after suffering years of abuse for becoming 'too westernised' and rejecting a forced marriage. 'Honour abuse' often has multiple perpetrators (including women) from the immediate and extended family and sometimes the community at large. Dudley's community safety partnership, safe & sound's website hosts more information about forced marriage, honour based abuse and useful links www.dudleysafeandsound.org/forcedmarriage

As this year’s scam awareness fortnight approaches, residents are warned to be extra cautious of coronavirus related scams. Dudley Council is supporting the annual campaign organised nationally by Citizens Advice, which runs from June 15 to 28. This year’s campaign will focus on scams which have come about as a result of the pandemic and building consumer confidence. There has been a rise in the number of coronavirus related scams across the country, where criminals are capitalising on people’s heightened anxieties and vulnerabilities. Dudley borough is no exception. The council’s scams unit has received numerous calls from concerned residents who think they may have been targeted. Scams could be emails or texts pretending to be from the government or charities asking for cash donations on the doorstep. One example sees people receiving text messages claiming to be from the government’s test and trace service, asking people to submit financial details on an illicit website. There have also been reports of people turning up on doorsteps and either claiming to be from the council or other organisations offering to clean their homes or food delivery services in exchange for cash in advance. These people should be viewed with suspicion and should be reported to Dudley Council’s scams unit by calling 01384 818871. Staff are at the end of the phone to offer advice and support to any concerned residents. The unit is also working closely with colleagues in the council’s living well, feeling safe and pleased to meet you teams to identify people who might be at a greater risk. Councillor Nicolas Barlow, cabinet member for health and adult social care, said: "We’re really fortunate to have a scams unit in Dudley, which has the dedicated time to investigate reports and do prevention work in our communities. "A big concern for us is that often scammers target the most vulnerable and isolated people in our communities and due to the current situation, there are potentially more people in this position than there normally would be and more susceptible to being targeted. "The team will continue to keep up the fight against these criminals but I would like to take the opportunity to remind people to act with caution and remember if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Call the scams unit and seek advice." Anyone who suspects a bogus caller is operating in their area should call 999 in an emergency or contact the dedicated bogus caller hotline on 01384 812045. Or if someone believes they have been contacted by a scammer they should report it to Dudley Council’s scams unit on 01384 818871 or via trading.standards@dudley.gov.uk Advice is also available on the Citizens Advice website - https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/scams/check-if-something-might-be-a-scam/

During these unprecedented times, partner organisations have been working harder than ever to keep Dudley a safe borough. Dudley’s community safety partnership, safe & sound has launched a number of campaigns since the lockdown came into force, including providing support and guidance to victims of domestic abuse, encouraging online safety and highlighting the routes to reporting hate crime. The partnership’s latest campaign encourages people to visit their website’s help hub www.dudleysafeandsound.org/help-hub to access information, help and advice on all things community safety. The handy hub has information and advice on topics such as domestic abuse, exploitation, online safety for adults and young people, hate crime, scams and more. Councillor Laura Taylor, cabinet member for housing, communities and residents’ welfare, said: "These are difficult and challenging times and as a partnership we want people to feel safe wherever they are in our borough. Having access to the right information and advice is part of this. "I would really encourage people to take a look at safe & sound’s website, in particular the help hub which is packed with really useful information and contacts should you need them. "People can also find out more about the partnership and how organisations in the borough actively work together." Sally Bourner, Dudley Neighbourhood Policing Unit Commander and chair of safe & sound, Dudley’s Community Safety Partnership, said: "Organisations across our borough are working harder than ever to make sure support is there when people need it for any community safety concern. "The safe & sound website has information on getting support, including ways you can contact the right services if you need to." People can visit www.dudleysafeandsound.org to find out more about Dudley’s community safety partnership.

People are urged to ignore fake text messages claiming to be from the government’s test and trace service, which asks them to submit financial details. Since the government launched the new NHS service earlier this week to control the spread of coronavirus, scammers have been quick to use it for their own gain. A text message has been doing the rounds, which takes people to an illicit website where there are asked to submit personal financial information, which could then be shared with fraudsters for future scams. People are urged to delete these messages and not click on the link included. The test and trace service will contact people by phone, email or text messages but genuine text messages and emails will come from the NHS and calls from 0300 013 5000. The only website people will be asked to access is https://contact-tracing.phe.gov.uk/ At no point will people be asked for their bank details to pay for a test. Councillor Nicolas Barlow, cabinet member for health and adult social care, said: "At a time of national crisis, when a lot of people may already be feeling anxious and vulnerable, it’s sad to think criminals will try and capitalise on the situation. "The test and trace service is new so people may not fully understand how it works yet. One thing to stress is that the genuine service will never ask for bank details or ask you to pay for a test. If you have any messages claiming that you should, please ignore and delete immediately." Anyone who has received a fraudulent text message can report it to Dudley Council’s scams unit by calling 01384 818871 or via trading.standards@dudley.gov.uk More information about how the test and trace service works can be found at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/testing-and-tracing/nhs-test-and-trace-if-youve-been-in-contact-with-a-person-who-has-coronavirus/

The National Police Chief’s Council and The Children’s Society have launched a campaign to raise awareness of Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation during COVID-19. The campaign is designed for key workers visiting premises during the crisis and also to raise public awareness of the signs to look out for and how to report any concerns. The campaign encourages people to LOOK for key signs including: Sudden changes in behaviour Guarded behaviour of a child around particular individuals Children with bruises, burns, bite marks or fractures Children appearing withdrawn, anxious or frightened Hearing or seeing shouting and violence towards a child Children seen carrying or using drugs Children being late or arriving home late in different cars Unaccompanied children visiting a house where only adults live It encourages people to ACT if they suspect a child is at harm: Stay curious and look beyond the obvious If something doesn’t feel right, it might not be Even if you’re unsure, it’s better to report your concerns Do not attempt to intervene yourself If you have a safeguarding manager / lead within your organisation, notify them immediately Call the police on 101 or 999 in an emergency Call the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000

A coronavirus is a type of virus. As a group, coronaviruses are common across the world. Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new strain of coronavirus that presents with flu-like symptoms including a fever, a cough or difficulty breathing. Latest advice Visit Dudley council for local advice. West Midlands Fire Service COVID-19 update. Visit GOV.UK for the latest information about the virus and the current situation in the UK. Dudley Safeguarding People Partnership have put together information for talking to young people about Coronavirus. The West Midlands Violence Reduction Unit have put together resources to support education settings. Coronavirus and staying safe online Everyone is being told by the government to say at home during the coronavirus outbreak to protect the NHS and save lives. As we all begin to adjust to a new way of life, turning to technology for work, learning, shopping, socialising and fitness, staying safe online becomes even more important. There’s simple tips to help you avoid scams below, in addition you should be aware of: properly reading and checking information before you share it. Things aren’t always what they seem online so be careful not to share fake news if you’re signing up for free trial periods on websites, including learning sites, make sure you fully read the terms & conditions so you know what happens when the free trial period ends It’s also a good idea to talk to your children about how they can stay safe online especially when using social media. There’s more useful information including how to be safe when social networking on our help hub. You can also keep up with the latest community safety advice on twitter by following #safeindudley Scam Warning Coronavirus scam costs victims over £800k in one month Action Fraud have issued a warning - Since February 2020, the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) has identified 21 reports of fraud where Coronavirus was mentioned, with victim losses totalling over £800k. Ten of these reports were made by victims that attempted to purchase protective face masks from fraudulent sellers. One victim reported losing over £15k when they purchased face masks that were never delivered. Reporting numbers are expected to rise as the virus continues to spread across the world. We have also received multiple reports about coronavirus-themed phishing emails attempting to trick people into opening malicious attachments or revealing sensitive personal and financial information. Avoiding scams While many people are looking out for others in the community, a small minority are looking to profit from coronavirus. In recent weeks Action Fraud have seen reports about coronavirus themed scam emails attempting to trick people into revealing sensitive personal and financial information. Victim support - has useful advice information for individuals and community groups to help keep you safe: Protect yourself by making sure you: Don’t click on links or attachments in suspicious emails Don’t respond to unsolicited messages asking for personal or financial information Research a company before making payments online and always use a credit card not a debit card Keep in contact with loved ones You can also report suspicious texts by forwarding the original message to 7726, which spells SPAM on your keypad. The police, or your bank, will never ask you to withdraw money or transfer it to a different account. They will also never ask you to reveal your full banking password or PIN. Protect your devices from the latest threats Always install the latest software and app updates to protect your phone from the latest threats Bogus caller scam - alerts! Dudley Council is becoming increasingly aware of bogus calls being made in relation to the coronavirus. The latest bogus call to watch out for is people going door to door claiming to be authorised by Dudley Council to offer cleaning services. DO NOT let people into your home unless you are 100 percent sure you know who they are. People who are genuine will in most cases call ahead to book an appointment first and will carry ID with them. Anyone who suspects a bogus caller is operating in their area should call 999 in an emergency or contact the dedicated bogus caller hotline on 01384 812045 Price ramping The alleged over pricing of goods is not a regulated activity that is enforced by trading standards. The Competition and Markets Authority is monitoring for potential breaches of consumer law on sales and pricing practices in light of the current situation. Find out more here: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/competition-and-markets-authority Shopping online If you're making a purchase from a company or person you don't know and trust, carry out some research first, and ask a friend or family member for advice before completing the purchase. Where possible, use a credit card to make the payment, as most major credit card providers insure online purchases. Illegal money lenders Loan sharks may seem friendly at first but it can soon turn nasty. They will take advantage of the coronavirus outbreak and people's financial concerns. For help, advice or to safely report a loan shark. Economic abuse and the coronavirus The situation is changing rapidly in the UK as the government implements measures in response to the coronavirus outbreak. Recommended measures such as limiting social contact, not going to work and self-isolating at home can have implications if you are experiencing economic abuse. You may be worried about your physical safety and your economic situation. This resource is designed to support your economic wellbeing and your safety if you are living with someone who abuses you. It also contains information on financial support that is available. You are not alone, and support is available during these extraordinary times. More information on economic abuse and the coronavirus. Domestic abuse Victims of domestic violence and abuse can access all available support services within the borough by dialling one number, the single point of contact (SPOC), on 01384 455411. The number is open to victims, families and professionals and helps people get to the right service as quickly and easily as possible when support is needed. Find out more on our help hub.

Residents are warned to not hand over cash or card details to anyone over the phone or on their doorstep claiming to offer services in response to the coronavirus outbreak. In recent weeks, the number of reported coronavirus related scams in Dudley borough has continued to rise. The council’s scams unit received a number of calls from concerned residents who have been targeted by scammers trying to cash in during the outbreak. There have been of reports of people turning up on doorsteps and either claiming to be from the council or other organisations offering to clean their homes or food delivery services in exchange for cash in advance. These people should be viewed with suspicion and should be reported to Dudley Council’s scams unit by calling 01384 818871. They are highly likely to be scammers and residents are warned to not hand over any money on the doorstep to anyone they don’t know. The council has also received reports from businesses, which have been contacted by organisations claiming to offer help with business grants and applying for funding from the council in exchange for bank card details to process applications. Businesses can actually claim grants themselves by visiting the council’s website, www.dudley.gov.uk Councillor Nicolas Barlow, cabinet member for health and adult social care, said: "I can’t stress enough that if in doubt - don’t. We’ve unfortunately seen an increase in recent weeks of people trying to take advantage of the outbreak and target people and businesses who may be feeling vulnerable, desperate or struggling. "Please always be cautious and remember there are legitimate organisations out there which are helping with food and medical deliveries and businesses who need support should talk to the council directly rather than through third-party organisations." Anyone who suspects a bogus caller is operating in their area should call 999 in an emergency or contact the dedicated bogus caller hotline on 01384 812045. Or if someone believes they have been contacted by a scammer they should report it to Dudley Council’s scams unit on 01384 818871 or via trading.standards@dudley.gov.uk

During these unprecedented times, partner organisations across Dudley are working harder than ever to support victims of domestic abuse. The government has asked people to stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives but for some, domestic abuse means home isn’t their safe place and support services across Dudley borough are here to help. Dudley’s community safety partnership, safe & sound and Dudley safeguarding people partnership want to make sure no victim of domestic abuse is left unsupported. Dudley’s single point of contact (SPOC) number is 01384 455411 and gives those who need help a direct line to various support services offered by a range of providers. The service is delivered by Black Country Women’s Aid. The number is open to victims, families and professionals and helps people get to the right service as quickly and easily as possible when support is needed. Information about all support services can be found at www.dudleysafeandsound.org/domesticabuse Councillor Laura Taylor, cabinet member for housing, communities and residents’ welfare, said: "These are difficult and challenging times for everyone but for people living with domestic abuse the challenge of staying at home is even greater and its essential victims of domestic abuse know we are still here to support them. "By working with our partners and sharing resources, we can keep linking people who need to access domestic violence and abuse services to the right organisations as quickly as possible." Sally Bourner, Dudley Neighbourhood Policing Unit Commander and chair of safe & sound, Dudley’s Community Safety Partnership, said: "The most important thing to remember if you are a victim of domestic abuse is that you are not alone. Services across our borough are working harder than ever to make sure support is there when people need it. "Being asked to stay at home adds additional pressure where pressure already exists and it’s really important to know we will keep working together with our partners to support any victim of domestic abuse. "Please don’t suffer in silence, there’s lots of ways you can contact services from a phone call to online webchats. Whichever way you choose to make contact we’ll be here with the support." Domestic violence and abuse services can be accessed through the single point of contact on 01384 455411. You can also contact West Midlands Police. In an emergency dial 999 and if it’s too dangerous to speak press 55 when connected and the operator will know you need help. For non-emergencies you can contact police via Live Chat which is available every day between 8am and midnight via www.west-midlands.police.uk. If you do not have internet access you can call the police on the 101 non-emergency number. Children are often the hidden victims of domestic abuse, if you think a child is at risk call 0300 555 0050. People can also visit www.dudleysafeandsound.org to find out more about domestic abuse services.

Residents across the borough are warned to be on their guard as bogus callers try and cash in on the coronavirus outbreak. Dudley Council’s trading standards team has had reports of local people being approached by bogus callers who are going door-to-door claiming to be authorised by the council to offer cleaning services. Residents are urged to only let people in their property if they are 100 percent sure they know who they are. People who are genuine will in most cases call ahead to book an appointment first and will carry ID with them. Anyone who suspects a bogus caller is operating in their area should call 999 in an emergency or contact the dedicated bogus caller hotline on 01384 812045 Action Fraud has also seen a rise of reports about coronavirus themed scam emails attempting to trick people into revealing sensitive personal and financial information. Residents are advised to protect themselves by making sure they do not click on links or attachments in suspicious emails, do not reply to unsolicited messages asking for personal or financial information, always research a company before making payments online and always use a credit card not a debit card. Councillor Nicolas Barlow, cabinet member for health and adult social care, said: "It’s shocking that at a time when we all need to come together, a minority of people can behave so despicably targeting our most vulnerable residents in a hope they will make some quick cash. "We’re urging all our residents to be on their guard and report anyone they believe to be behaving suspiciously to our bogus caller helpline. There have also been reports of local businesses ramping up the cost of essential items, which are in limited supply. "The fact we’ve had reports of some shops hiking up their prices is totally unacceptable. Those businesses are exploiting people at the most difficult time and they should be utterly ashamed of their behaviour. I hope local residents remember what they’ve done and think twice about supporting them in the future." The alleged over pricing of goods is not a regulated activity that is enforced by trading standards. The Competition and Markets Authority is monitoring for potential breaches of consumer law on sales and pricing practices in light of the current situation. Find out more here: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/competition-and-markets-authority For more information and advice on how coronavirus is affecting Dudley borough go to www.dudley.gov.uk/coronavirus

Roses will mean more than ‘I love you’ this Valentine’s day with the launch of a hard hitting campaign to address deaths on the roads. Selected colleges across the Black Country will be custodians of a display of 116 red roses, one rose to represent each young person from the West Midlands aged between 17 and 24 killed or seriously injured either as passengers or drivers of a vehicle over the last 12 months. The poignant beauty of the blooms aims to bring home to young people the potentially catastrophic consequences of inappropriate driving behaviour. It’s a starting point to consider not only their own responsibility as drivers but also to consider the choices they have as a passenger. Road safety staff will be sharing coping strategies and techniques for managing difficult situations and dealing with peer pressure, when saying ‘no’ can feel awkward but could be life-saving. The campaign will be launched around Valentine’s Day with the focus on looking out for the one you love, be it a girlfriend, boyfriend, friends or family members. It is a joint project between Dudley, Walsall, Wolverhampton, and Sandwell Councils, with the support of West Midlands Fire Service. On the 14 February road Safety staff from Dudley Council, will launch their campaign with a display of 116 red roses at King Edward VI College, Stourbridge. Walsall, Wolverhampton and Sandwell will launch their campaigns over the 13 and 14 February. The fire service will be bringing along their virtual reality goggles and kit which will immerse users in a real life scenario. These include travelling as a passenger in a group of friends engaging in risky behaviours. This scenario develops into a road traffic accident, with injured passengers being extracted by the emergency services. The second scenario puts the student in the driver’s seat, where they are faced with a series of questions along their journey based on risky driving behaviour and the fatal four behaviours – inappropriate behaviour, using a mobile phone, not wearing a seatbelt and drink/drug driving. Students will also have the opportunity to watch '90 second life-savers,’ short, digestible 360 films covering pedestrian, bike and motorcycle safety. Councillor Karen Shakespeare, cabinet member for environmental, highways and street services said: "This beautiful display of roses carries a poignant message, 116 young people killed or injured in the past 12 months. It’s shocking that there are still so many unnecessary deaths on the road and it’s heart-breaking for those left behind, but especially when they involve young people, destroying families and futures. "Events like this help make the dangers of the road much more real and I hope that the students find the day and the virtual reality goggles a sobering but informative experience. Even if this campaign saves just one life it will be worth it." For more information on the work of the road safety team visit https://www.dudley.gov.uk/residents/parking-and-roads/road-safety-and-travel-awareness/ To find out more about the work of WMFS and road safety visit https://www.wmfs.net/safety/on-the-road/

Victims of domestic violence and abuse can access all available support services within the borough by dialling one number. Helpline supports victims of domestic abuse The single point of contact (SPOC) number is 01384 455411 and gives those who need help a direct line to a range of support services offered by providers. The service was developed by Dudley’s community safety partnership with Black Country Women’s Aid and CHADD domestic abuse services. The number is open to victims, families and professionals and helps people get to the right service as quickly and easily as possible when support is needed. The single point of access is in line with Safelives Standards and West Midlands Domestic Violence and Abuse Standards. Councillor Laura Taylor, cabinet member for housing, communities and residents' welfare, said: "The SPOC is central to accessing domestic abuse services in the borough. It gives better and easier access for victims and their families to the support available. "By working with our partners and sharing resources, we can link people who need to access domestic violence and abuse services to the right organisations as quickly as possible." Domestic violence and abuse services can be accessed through the single point of contact on 01384 455411. Cases of domestic abuse can also be reported using the police non-emergency number 101 or in an emergency dial 999. People can also visit www.dudleysafeandsound.org to find out more about domestic abuse services.

On Thursday 6 February, Safe & Sound is supporting International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FMG) which aims to raise awareness of FMG. Did you know FMG is illegal in the UK? It’s also illegal to take a British or permanent resident abroad for FGM or to help someone trying to do this. Stay safe in Dudley. Find out more: https://www.dudleysafeandsound.org/violenceagainstwomenandgirls #FMG