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29/11/2022
Police Warn Of Rise Of Domestic Abuse Over Christmas
As part of their wider 'Tis' the Season Christmas' operation, the PSNI have highlighted a campaign to raise awareness of the signs of all types of domestic abuse and encouraging potential victims to report to Police, so that safeguarding action can be taken and the right support put in place.
Stark figures from the PSNI over the last few years show that there is often a significant spike in domestic abuse incidents over the festive holiday period. This includes psychological abuse with coercive and controlling behaviour creating fear in relationships and homes.
Sadly, last year during the December and January holiday periods, the Police received a call every 16 minutes related to domestic abuse. 97 incidents and 65 crimes were reported on Christmas Day alone.
On New Year's Day, the Police Service received reports of 161 incidents and 100 crimes of domestic abuse, an increase of 17 on the year before.
Detective Superintendent Lindsay Fisher said: "Christmas is a time of joy and goodwill for many people, but it can also be a time of real fear and control for those in a physical or emotionally abusive relationship.
"It's important to remember domestic abuse is not just physical. If you are afraid of someone you live with or who you are in a relationship with, or if you're walking on eggshells, or have no control over your own life – this is also abuse and we can help you.
"Specialist domestic abuse detectives will be available 24 hours a day during the festive period, and will treat all reports seriously. We work with a range of other agencies to ensure that you will receive support to help you break away from the cycle of abuse.
"There is no excuse for abuse. You are not to blame, the abuser is 100% responsible. Don't suffer in silence this Christmas."
The Police Service of Northern Ireland also appeals to families and friends to keep an eye out for signs that someone may be a victim of domestic abuse. Sometimes victims are unable to contact the police, which is why it's so important the people around them who suspect something is going can raise the alarm on their behalf.
Detective Superintendent Lindsay Fisher added: "We ask that everyone familiarises themselves with the signs of domestic abuse this Christmas. If you have concerns that a family member, a friend or a colleague is a victim of domestic abuse, please contact us.
"We will do everything we can to ensure the people you love are safeguarded and that perpetrators are brought to justice not just at Christmas, but all year round. 24 hours a day, every day."
If you are suffering at the hands of an abusive partner or family member or worried about someone you love who might be, please report to the Police on 101 or in an emergency always dial 999.
If it is an emergency and you've dialled 999 but cannot speak then stay on the line and press 55 when prompted, then cough or tap in response to the operator's queries. This is called the ‘silent solution'.
A 24-hour Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline is available to anyone who has concerns about domestic or sexual violence, now or in the past on 0808 802 1414.
Stark figures from the PSNI over the last few years show that there is often a significant spike in domestic abuse incidents over the festive holiday period. This includes psychological abuse with coercive and controlling behaviour creating fear in relationships and homes.
Sadly, last year during the December and January holiday periods, the Police received a call every 16 minutes related to domestic abuse. 97 incidents and 65 crimes were reported on Christmas Day alone.
On New Year's Day, the Police Service received reports of 161 incidents and 100 crimes of domestic abuse, an increase of 17 on the year before.
Detective Superintendent Lindsay Fisher said: "Christmas is a time of joy and goodwill for many people, but it can also be a time of real fear and control for those in a physical or emotionally abusive relationship.
"It's important to remember domestic abuse is not just physical. If you are afraid of someone you live with or who you are in a relationship with, or if you're walking on eggshells, or have no control over your own life – this is also abuse and we can help you.
"Specialist domestic abuse detectives will be available 24 hours a day during the festive period, and will treat all reports seriously. We work with a range of other agencies to ensure that you will receive support to help you break away from the cycle of abuse.
"There is no excuse for abuse. You are not to blame, the abuser is 100% responsible. Don't suffer in silence this Christmas."
The Police Service of Northern Ireland also appeals to families and friends to keep an eye out for signs that someone may be a victim of domestic abuse. Sometimes victims are unable to contact the police, which is why it's so important the people around them who suspect something is going can raise the alarm on their behalf.
Detective Superintendent Lindsay Fisher added: "We ask that everyone familiarises themselves with the signs of domestic abuse this Christmas. If you have concerns that a family member, a friend or a colleague is a victim of domestic abuse, please contact us.
"We will do everything we can to ensure the people you love are safeguarded and that perpetrators are brought to justice not just at Christmas, but all year round. 24 hours a day, every day."
If you are suffering at the hands of an abusive partner or family member or worried about someone you love who might be, please report to the Police on 101 or in an emergency always dial 999.
If it is an emergency and you've dialled 999 but cannot speak then stay on the line and press 55 when prompted, then cough or tap in response to the operator's queries. This is called the ‘silent solution'.
A 24-hour Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline is available to anyone who has concerns about domestic or sexual violence, now or in the past on 0808 802 1414.
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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.
16 December 2021
PSNI Launch Domestic Abuse Christmas Campaign
The PSNI has announced the launch of a domestic abuse Christmas campaign, as part of their annual Op Season's Greetings public messaging. Scheduled to run until mid-January across the Police Service's online channels, the aim of the campaign is to encourage the reporting of incidents and make victims aware they can take steps to stop it.
PSNI Launch Domestic Abuse Christmas Campaign
The PSNI has announced the launch of a domestic abuse Christmas campaign, as part of their annual Op Season's Greetings public messaging. Scheduled to run until mid-January across the Police Service's online channels, the aim of the campaign is to encourage the reporting of incidents and make victims aware they can take steps to stop it.
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.
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".
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.
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