Justice Minister Supports PSNI's Festive Policing Priorities

Justice Minister Naomi Long has visited Omagh PSNI station, where she expressed her support for officers working to keep people safe over the festive season.

Meeting officers at the forefront of local policing, tackling crime, reducing offending, public protection and road safety, Minister Long said: "While the festive season brings joy for most people, for others it is a time of sadness, fear and tragedy. It will be a particularly busy time for the PSNI's Operation Seasons Greetings, which aims to keep people safe in the run-up to and over the Christmas and New Year period.

"I want to take this opportunity to thank every PSNI officer, staff member and those working across the justice sector, who will be proactively working day and night to provide a safer community this festive season."

Highlighting a historic increase in domestic abuse incidents over the Christmas period, Fermanagh and Omagh District Commander, Superintendent Robert McGowan, said he wanted all victims to know that "we are here for them no matter the time of day".

The Superintendent continued: "Too many across Northern Ireland are subjected to domestic abuse and very often people who are being abused feel isolated, vulnerable and frightened and don't know where to turn.  "It is vital that victims know there is help available and we are reaching out to victims with this message to say please contact us or one of our partner support agencies so that we can help you do so safely.

"We are here to help you and we will robustly investigate all allegations of abuse and fully support you through the criminal justice process. Please be assured that you can come forward in confidence and speak to Detectives in Public Protection Branch who will treat you with sensitivity and respect.

"Anyone who is suffering from domestic abuse can contact police on the non-emergency 101 number, or 999 in an emergency.

"A 24-hour Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline is also available to anyone who has concerns about domestic or sexual abuse, now or in the past. The number to call is 0808 802 1414."

The visit coincides with 16 Days of Activism, a global campaign to eliminate violence against women, which runs until December 10.

The Minister continued: "Every 17 minutes the PSNI receives a call related to domestic abuse, however, traditionally there is a rise in domestic abuse incidents over the Christmas period.

"The statistics around domestic and sexual abuse are well known. But they never cease to shock – and they never should. They are stark and they are unacceptable.

"Amidst the festivities we cannot, nor should we ever be complacent about the scale or impact of domestic and sexual abuse on our society, on our communities, our families, our loved ones, the people all around us.

"So let us work together to deliver change in Northern Ireland where everyone can be safe and free – tackling domestic and sexual abuse is everyone's business!"