Highest Level Of Recorded Domestic Abuse Incidents Since 2004

The PSNI has recorded its highest ever figure for incidents of domestic violence between September 2017 and 2018.

There were 31,008 reports of abuse cases in the period, an increase of 5.4% on the previous 12 months and the highest figure since records began in 2004.

The spike emerged as the PSNI launched its Christmas domestic abuse campaign on Wednesday, 12 December.

Detective Superintendent Ryan Henderson, from the PSNI's Public Protection Branch, said: "We want to remind people they do not have to suffer in silence; that they can come forward to report any incident of domestic abuse to police. 

"It doesn't only occur at Christmas; it happens all year round.  

"Unfortunately, however, we know over the Christmas period incidents of domestic abuse rise and when we look at the figures from last year's campaign, which ran from 15 December until 16 January, the highest level of incidents reported to police was on New Year's Day when we received a total of 142 calls for help compared to 147 the previous year. On Christmas Day 2017, there were 84 incidents reported to us compared to 96 from the previous year.

"These stark figures tell us more victims are finding the courage to pick up the phone and make a report, which is encouraging, but we must always remember behind each statistic is a victim.  

"Unfortunately, many incidents of domestic abuse still go un-reported, but we hope this campaign will go some way towards changing that and will encourage anyone impacted by domestic abuse to report it to us. 

"It is a terrifying crime, which can have a long lasting impact and it can affect anyone, and often leaves victims feeling isolated and alone."

In March of this year, the Department of Justice launched a new scheme, The Domestic Violence and Abuse Disclosure Scheme (DVADS) which is aimed at helping to protect victims of violence in their homes and family life.

It allows people to make confidential enquiries to police if they have a concern that their partner has a history of abusive behaviour.

This information can allow people to make an informed decision when entering into a personal relationship. An application can also be made by a third party who has concerns.

Since the introduction of the scheme on 26th March until 30 November there have been 177 applications submitted.

Detective Superintendent Henderson said: "Our role is about prevention, protection and prosecution; to prevent further violence, to protect the victim, children and other vulnerable people and to facilitate the prosecution of offenders. We want anyone impacted by domestic abuse to know there is help out there."

"Previously, it would have been difficult for someone entering a new relationship to find out, or be aware if their new partner had any prior convictions for violence or domestic abuse. This scheme makes it possible for people to take that extra step if they are concerned to do what they can to protect themselves. 

"I want to encourage anyone suffering from domestic abuse to call their local police on the non-emergency 101 or, in an emergency, always call 999.

"A 24-hour Domestic and Sexual Violence Helpline is available to anyone who has concerns about domestic or sexual violence, now or in the past on 0808 802 1414."



(JG)