Menu
09/12/2019
Recorded Domestic Abuse Incidents On The Rise- PSNI
Over 30,000 incidents of domestic abuse were recorded in Northern Ireland in the last year, it has emerged.
Christmas Day 2018 alone saw 116 incidents reported, a sharp increase on the 84 from the previous year. Statistics have also shown that between 25 and 27 December, 373 calls for help were made to police.
The figures were revealed as the PSNI launches its annual Christmas Domestic Abuse campaign.
Scheduled to run until mid-January, it aims to encourage victims of domestic abuse to report it by delivering the 'Speak out to Stop it' message via a new animation and online advertising.
The 31,817 incidents represent an increase of 2.5% on the previous year and are the highest of any 12 month period since PSNI records began in 2004/05.
On January 1st alone this year, a staggering 158 incidents were reported, and police are now responding to such reports every 17 minutes.
Head of the Public Protection Branch, Detective Chief Superintendent Paula Hilman said: "Domestic abuse does not only occur at Christmas. We know it happens all year round, but we also know over the Christmas period incidents of domestic abuse rise."
While more recorded cases means that more victims are finding the courage to pick up the phone, Detective Chief Superintendent Hilman said a victim with a "harrowing story of abuse" lies behind each statistic.
"I want to encourage all victims - regardless of age, race, gender or sexual orientation - to come forward and report what is happening to us," she continued. "Speak out to stop it and we will help you. If you are a victim, you do not have to suffer in silence. You can come forward to report any incident of domestic abuse to us.
"Domestic abuse is a crime and until victims are aware there is a safe environment to share their concerns, they will continue to hold on to the secret of domestic abuse.
"Domestic abuse is a terrifying and impactful crime and it is vital that victims know there is help."
Police can be contacted on 101 or by calling 999 in an emergency.
A 24-hour Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline is also available for anyone with concerns about domestic or sexual abuse, now or in the past, on 0808 802 1414.
Watch the video below to view the PSNI animation:
(JG/CM)
Christmas Day 2018 alone saw 116 incidents reported, a sharp increase on the 84 from the previous year. Statistics have also shown that between 25 and 27 December, 373 calls for help were made to police.
The figures were revealed as the PSNI launches its annual Christmas Domestic Abuse campaign.
Scheduled to run until mid-January, it aims to encourage victims of domestic abuse to report it by delivering the 'Speak out to Stop it' message via a new animation and online advertising.
The 31,817 incidents represent an increase of 2.5% on the previous year and are the highest of any 12 month period since PSNI records began in 2004/05.
On January 1st alone this year, a staggering 158 incidents were reported, and police are now responding to such reports every 17 minutes.
Head of the Public Protection Branch, Detective Chief Superintendent Paula Hilman said: "Domestic abuse does not only occur at Christmas. We know it happens all year round, but we also know over the Christmas period incidents of domestic abuse rise."
While more recorded cases means that more victims are finding the courage to pick up the phone, Detective Chief Superintendent Hilman said a victim with a "harrowing story of abuse" lies behind each statistic.
"I want to encourage all victims - regardless of age, race, gender or sexual orientation - to come forward and report what is happening to us," she continued. "Speak out to stop it and we will help you. If you are a victim, you do not have to suffer in silence. You can come forward to report any incident of domestic abuse to us.
"Domestic abuse is a crime and until victims are aware there is a safe environment to share their concerns, they will continue to hold on to the secret of domestic abuse.
"Domestic abuse is a terrifying and impactful crime and it is vital that victims know there is help."
Police can be contacted on 101 or by calling 999 in an emergency.
A 24-hour Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline is also available for anyone with concerns about domestic or sexual abuse, now or in the past, on 0808 802 1414.
Watch the video below to view the PSNI animation:
(JG/CM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
21 February 2022
New Domestic Abuse Offences Come Into Force
A number of new domestic abuse offences have come into force in Northern Ireland, with Justice Minister Naomi Long stating that "domestic abuse in all its forms, both physical and non-physical, is wrong and will not be tolerated".
New Domestic Abuse Offences Come Into Force
A number of new domestic abuse offences have come into force in Northern Ireland, with Justice Minister Naomi Long stating that "domestic abuse in all its forms, both physical and non-physical, is wrong and will not be tolerated".
15 December 2015
79 Domestic Abuse Incidents Reported On Christmas Day Last Year
A total of 79 domestic abuse incidents were reported on Christmas Day in Northern Ireland last year, according to the police. 111 incidents were reported on Boxing Day and from 24 December to 28 December last year, there were a total of 515 recorded domestic incidents.
79 Domestic Abuse Incidents Reported On Christmas Day Last Year
A total of 79 domestic abuse incidents were reported on Christmas Day in Northern Ireland last year, according to the police. 111 incidents were reported on Boxing Day and from 24 December to 28 December last year, there were a total of 515 recorded domestic incidents.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
