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20/12/2011
Domestic Abuse Increases Over Christmas Say Police
Police are predicting an increase in domestic abuse over the Christmas and New Year period, saying that incidents rates can be some 25% higher over the festive period.
Police in Surrey, who are leading an initiate to target domestic abuse, said that during the December 17 to January 4 over last Christmas, there were a total of 687 domestic incidents in Surrey reported to police.
Over the same period in the previous year the number was 769 and for the same period in 2008 to 2009 there were 660 reports.
"This makes a total of 2116 recorded incidents and crimes in just three festive seasons – an increase of about 25% compared to other times of the year."
Surrey police said work was ongoing to try and identify anyone at particular risk, and that domestic abuse happens in every district and borough across the county.
They said analysis had revealed recording of domestic abuse incidents peaks on New Year’s Day and the days that follow.
Meanwhile, about 77% of the victims are likely to be female and 23% to be male. It is also thought that incidents on Christmas Day may be under-reported.
Surrey Police emphasised that domestic abuse was a crime and would be treated as such, with offenders likely to be brought before the specialist Domestic Violence courts to face justice.
Temporary Detective Superintendent Dave Brookes said: “It is distressing to be able to predict with such certainty that by early in the New Year we will have had many victims suffer from a wide range of domestic abuse.
“In Surrey we have developed a good partnership with the other agencies involved and I am grateful for their support which enables me to say with confidence that support is available for victims.
“My message to victims is clear; we are on your side, you are not alone, we will support you and help you receive ongoing support if necessary.
“There is nothing more heart breaking for police officers than attending homes at this time of year and finding children in tears as one adult subjects another to abuse. We all owe it to these families to do all we can to reduce these incidents. It is why I am pleased that more incidents are being reported but distressed that each and every one has occurred.”
Surrey police advised all victims to report incidents to police.
(DW)
Police in Surrey, who are leading an initiate to target domestic abuse, said that during the December 17 to January 4 over last Christmas, there were a total of 687 domestic incidents in Surrey reported to police.
Over the same period in the previous year the number was 769 and for the same period in 2008 to 2009 there were 660 reports.
"This makes a total of 2116 recorded incidents and crimes in just three festive seasons – an increase of about 25% compared to other times of the year."
Surrey police said work was ongoing to try and identify anyone at particular risk, and that domestic abuse happens in every district and borough across the county.
They said analysis had revealed recording of domestic abuse incidents peaks on New Year’s Day and the days that follow.
Meanwhile, about 77% of the victims are likely to be female and 23% to be male. It is also thought that incidents on Christmas Day may be under-reported.
Surrey Police emphasised that domestic abuse was a crime and would be treated as such, with offenders likely to be brought before the specialist Domestic Violence courts to face justice.
Temporary Detective Superintendent Dave Brookes said: “It is distressing to be able to predict with such certainty that by early in the New Year we will have had many victims suffer from a wide range of domestic abuse.
“In Surrey we have developed a good partnership with the other agencies involved and I am grateful for their support which enables me to say with confidence that support is available for victims.
“My message to victims is clear; we are on your side, you are not alone, we will support you and help you receive ongoing support if necessary.
“There is nothing more heart breaking for police officers than attending homes at this time of year and finding children in tears as one adult subjects another to abuse. We all owe it to these families to do all we can to reduce these incidents. It is why I am pleased that more incidents are being reported but distressed that each and every one has occurred.”
Surrey police advised all victims to report incidents to police.
(DW)
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