The festive season can be a flash point for abuse
The festive season can be a flash point for abuse
Christmas is supposed to be a time of joy and celebration, when we can spend precious moments with loved ones. But for some, the festive period brings added danger and isolation.
Police forces often see a spike in domestic abuse cases at Christmas. An increase in alcohol consumption and financial pressures within families can lead to physical abuse within relationships. It can also be a catalyst for psychological abuse with coercive or controlling behaviour creating fear in relationships and homes.
Domestic abuse can affect anyone, regardless of race, age, social background, gender, religion or sexuality. It can happen in short or long-term relationships, with ex-partners or family members. Statistics show that women are more likely than men to be victims of domestic abuse. One in four women in this country will experience domestic abuse of some kind in their lifetime, and at least one woman is killed per week nationwide.
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Home Office figures show Merseyside Police recorded 27,850 domestic abuse-related crimes in the year to March. Of these crimes, 8% resulted in a charge or summons.
Caroline Grant, CEO of Knowsley domestic abuse charity The First Step told the ECHO that although recorded crimes might be down, “demand for support is rising year on year”.
She said: “More and more survivors are turning to independent specialist domestic abuse services and not the state for a variety of reasons, they may be scared to get police involved or may lack trust in the state responses because of previous poor criminal justice responses.
“Decreased reporting to police or falls in recorded crime is in no way is indictive of what is happening in our communities. Specialist services locally and nationally are seeing unprecedented demands for support without the funding to match the demand.”
Caroline urges anyone experiencing domestic abuse to reach out for specialist support – including over Christmas. This is a message echoed by Merseyside Police, which says it is putting additional detectives on duty over the festive period. Measures will include introducing specialist domestic abuse investigators who can offer advice to patrol officers attending domestic abuse incidents, to help people at risk of or experiencing domestic abuse.
Detective Superintendent Joe Marston from the Protecting Vulnerable People Unit said: “We know this time of year can be particularly difficult for victims of domestic abuse and although taking those first steps and reporting abuse can be daunting, there is support available, not just from Merseyside Police but our partners too.
“There is a range of help available from specially trained officers within the force’s Protecting Vulnerable People Unit, IDVAs (Independent Domestic Violence Advisors) and numerous charities and organisations across Merseyside. If you come forward and report what is happening, there are people ready to support you and treat you with compassion, respect and care.
“Victims of domestic abuse can understandably be very upset and emotional when the police attend an incident in their home and patrols often have to make sure they receive the support and care they require, whilst at the same time dealing with a suspect who may be aggressive or violent.
“We want to ensure victims receive the best possible care and support from us from the very start. Our primary focus is to look after them, taking them away from the offender to speak to them about what happened, and getting them the help they need to break the cycle of abuse they may be suffering.”
Domestic abuse help and support
Domestic violence or abuse can happen to anyone.
NHS advice says if you are at risk of domestic abuse or violence you can:
The Survivor’s Handbook from Women’s Aid is free and gives information on issues such as housing, money, helping children and legal rights.
Men can email [email protected], which can refer you to places that can help, such as health services and voluntary organisations.
SWACA – Sefton Women’s and Children’s Aid offers free practical and emotional support to women, young people, and children suffering from domestic abuse. You can contact SWACA by phone on 0151 922 8606, by text on 07779745594 and by email at [email protected]
For forced marriage and “honour” crimes, contact Karma Nirvana (0800 5999 247) or The Forced Marriage Unit (020 7008 0151).
Merseyside-based charity Savera UK supports people at risk of ‘honour’-based abuse, forced marriage, female genital mutilation and other harmful practices. You can call their national helpline on 0800 107 0726 on weekdays between 9am and 5pm.
Galop provides support to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people experiencing domestic violence.
Anyone who needs confidential help with their own abusive behaviour can contact Respect on their free helpline on 0808 802 4040.
