Wigan introduces Safer Knife Replacement Scheme

Wigan’s District Safeguarding Team, alongside the Community Safety Partnership (CSP), have launched a new safety initiative, the Safer Knife Replacement Scheme (SKRS), to help prevent domestic abuse incidents involving knives and make homes safer for victims and their families.

The SKRS allows officers, with consent of victims, to safely surrender household knives or sharp objects that could pose a risk in situations of domestic tension or abuse. In return, they will receive safer, purpose-designed alternatives which are still suitable for cooking or household use, but don’t pose the same threat to the public.

The knives have been designed with a sharp edge but rounded end, which has been tested against multiple clothing materials and proven to not penetrate the fabric when used in a stabbing motion. The lack of damage caused to the material shows these knives are unlikely to cause as much harm to an individual as the traditional pointed-tip knives.

After having launched yesterday (11 November), officers have already been able to secure their first knife exchange after a man was arrested for making threats to stab someone in his home. The CSP alongside police have been able to secure the weapon and replace it with our safely designed knives to ensure the protection of the victim.

DCI Sarah Bell, GMP’s Domestic Abuse lead for Wigan, said: “The SKRS is part of a wider effort to prevent domestic violence, reduce fear and empower those affected by abuse to take practical steps towards safety.

“The aim of this scheme is to reduce the presence of knives in homes affected by abuse, raise awareness of the links between domestic abuse and knife-related harm, and encourage early intervention to reduce the risk of similar incidents occurring. 

“The SKRS can make a real difference for those at risk of domestic abuse. By replacing potentially dangerous kitchen knives with safer alternatives, we’re removing one of the most common tools used in serious domestic assault.

“Wigan is the first district in Greater Manchester to trial this scheme and it is our hope that all areas across the city will be able to join the scheme and support in protecting vulnerable people and victims”

Report and support information

How to report domestic abuse and get support

If you or someone you know are a victim or survivor of domestic abuse, we encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police by calling 101 or 999 in an emergency.

You can also report information and crimes on the Greater Manchester Police website using the 'report' tool.

Alternatively, you can report information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

There are also lots of organisations and support agencies available across Greater Manchester that can help and provide support for you:

Greater Manchester domestic abuse helpline 
Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm, except bank holidays. For anyone experiencing domestic abuse. Includes a language service and advice for the LGBT community.
 

End the Fear 
Includes information on local help all over Greater Manchester.

More support organisations can be found here.