18/12/2013

Domestic Abuse Campaign Launched

The independent charity Crimestoppers has launched a new advertising campaign to raise awareness of domestic abuse in the run-up to Christmas. The campaign is supported by the PSNI and the Department of Justice.

It will run in a number of hotspot areas across Northern Ireland including north, south, east and west Belfast, Foyle, Craigavon and Lisburn and will incorporate billboard, adshel and Facebook advertising.

Superintendent Alan Skelton said: "Since October 2012 we have received 27,562 reports of domestic abuse incidents. This is in comparison to the previous year's figure of 26,555. This increase reflects our continued commitment to working in partnership with stakeholder organisations to increase reporting and improve our response to victims of domestic abuse. Despite the rise in the number of reported incidents we still believe that a large number of domestic incidents are going unreported.

"We know from our research that incidents of domestic abuse rise over the festive season. It is a frightening crime which can affect anyone regardless of age, race, gender or sexuality. Very often victims are isolated. No one should have to endure abuse and I want to encourage all victims of domestic abuse to come forward and report the matter to the police."

(IT/JP)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

05 July 2018
Campaign Launches To Tackle Domestic Abuse
The PSNI has launched a campaign after new figures revealed a rise in domestic abuse incidents over the holiday period. The message of the campaign is 'If you feel like you're walking on eggshells that's domestic abuse'. The campaign will run from now until the end of July and it aims to encourage victims to report incidents of domestic abuse.
16 December 2016
94 Domestic Abuse Incidents Reported To PSNI On Christmas Day Last Year
A total of 94 domestic abuse incidents were reported to the police on Christmas day last year, according to new figures. From the 24th to 31st December, 2015 there were 717 reports of domestic abuse incidents.
26 February 2009
Domestic Abuse Targeted By Policing Board
With police attending around 300 calls to domestic incidents weekly, yesterday's focus by the Northern Ireland Policing Board on the issue is being seen as particularly timely, especially as an inquiry into the issue is due for publication next month.
24 January 2024
PSNI Received 2,228 Domestic-Abuse Calls Over Christmas Period
The PSNI responded to a total of 2,228 domestic abuse calls between 20th November 2023 and 2nd January 2024, during their annual Operation 'Season's Greetings'. On these key festive dates from 24th December 2023 to 1st January 2024, the service also arrested more under 18s for domestic abuse related offences than the previous three years.
10 July 2017
Online Campaign To Tackle Domestic Violence Launched
The PSNI has launched a new campaign targeting domestic abuse over the summer months. The online initiative, which will run from now until the end of August, aims to help encourage victims to come forward to report incidents of domestic abuse.