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19/02/2020
Over 3,000 Calls For Help Made Over Christmas
Over 3,000 calls for help during domestic abuse incidents were made to police over the Christmas period, it's been revealed.
Of these 3,036 calls, some 96 were made on Christmas Day, a time when families traditionally come together to celebrate.
The figure marks a decrease of 78 when compared to last year's 3,114 domestic abuse incidents reported between 16 December and 15 January and a further decrease of 20 incidents on Christmas Day.
A staggering 187 calls for help were made on New Years Day, an increase of 29 incidents.
"This may seem like a small increase but, sadly, there are victims behind every single one of these statistics," said Detective Chief Superintendent Paula Hilman, Head of the PSNI's Public Protection Branch.
Despite the overall decrease, a total of 1,782 reports of domestic crimes were filed, a spike of 208 on the 2018 figures.
Police say the increase can be largely attributed to the recording of higher numbers of harassment and malicious communications offences.
Violence against the person has fallen, an encouraging factor for officers who pursue reports and continue to arrest and charge offenders where evidence exists.
The figures come as Northern Ireland's Justice Minister moves to progress legislation to criminalise abusive behaviour through Parliament.
The laws, being forwarded through Stormont by Naomi Long, will make it an offence for a person to engage in abusive behaviour on two or more occasions against someone they are personally connected to.
It's hoped the legislation will close a gap in the justice system and offer better protections to victims.
DCS Hilman encouraged victims of domestic abuse to come forward and file a report against their abuser.
She said: "We wanted to remind people they do not have to suffer in silence; that they can come forward to report any incident of domestic abuse to police.
"We know domestic abuse doesn't only occur at Christmas; that it happens all year round but, sadly, historically figures show over the Christmas period incidents of domestic abuse rise.
"These figures tell us more victims are finding the courage to pick up the phone and make a report, which is encouraging, but we must always remember behind each statistic is a victim.
"Domestic abuse is a terrifying crime, which can have a long lasting impact and it can affect anyone, and often leaves victims feeling isolated and alone.
"We know that victims, both male and female and of all ages, may have suffered abuse many times before calling the police or contacting other agencies for assistance."
It's known that many domestic crimes remain unreported. Police hope the stark figures released today, 19 February, will encourage anyone suffering at home to come forward.
Victims can contact police by calling non-emergency line 101 or in the case of an emergency are encouraged to dial 999.
A 24-hour domestic and sexual abuse helpline is available to anyone with concerns about domestic or sexual violence, either now or in the past, on 0808 802 1414.
(JG/MH)
Of these 3,036 calls, some 96 were made on Christmas Day, a time when families traditionally come together to celebrate.
The figure marks a decrease of 78 when compared to last year's 3,114 domestic abuse incidents reported between 16 December and 15 January and a further decrease of 20 incidents on Christmas Day.
A staggering 187 calls for help were made on New Years Day, an increase of 29 incidents.
"This may seem like a small increase but, sadly, there are victims behind every single one of these statistics," said Detective Chief Superintendent Paula Hilman, Head of the PSNI's Public Protection Branch.
Despite the overall decrease, a total of 1,782 reports of domestic crimes were filed, a spike of 208 on the 2018 figures.
Police say the increase can be largely attributed to the recording of higher numbers of harassment and malicious communications offences.
Violence against the person has fallen, an encouraging factor for officers who pursue reports and continue to arrest and charge offenders where evidence exists.
The figures come as Northern Ireland's Justice Minister moves to progress legislation to criminalise abusive behaviour through Parliament.
The laws, being forwarded through Stormont by Naomi Long, will make it an offence for a person to engage in abusive behaviour on two or more occasions against someone they are personally connected to.
It's hoped the legislation will close a gap in the justice system and offer better protections to victims.
DCS Hilman encouraged victims of domestic abuse to come forward and file a report against their abuser.
She said: "We wanted to remind people they do not have to suffer in silence; that they can come forward to report any incident of domestic abuse to police.
"We know domestic abuse doesn't only occur at Christmas; that it happens all year round but, sadly, historically figures show over the Christmas period incidents of domestic abuse rise.
"These figures tell us more victims are finding the courage to pick up the phone and make a report, which is encouraging, but we must always remember behind each statistic is a victim.
"Domestic abuse is a terrifying crime, which can have a long lasting impact and it can affect anyone, and often leaves victims feeling isolated and alone.
"We know that victims, both male and female and of all ages, may have suffered abuse many times before calling the police or contacting other agencies for assistance."
It's known that many domestic crimes remain unreported. Police hope the stark figures released today, 19 February, will encourage anyone suffering at home to come forward.
Victims can contact police by calling non-emergency line 101 or in the case of an emergency are encouraged to dial 999.
A 24-hour domestic and sexual abuse helpline is available to anyone with concerns about domestic or sexual violence, either now or in the past, on 0808 802 1414.
(JG/MH)
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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.
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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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Nearly 30,000 Domestic Motivated Incidents Took Place In 2017
Last year nearly 30,000 domestic motivated incidents took place in Northern Ireland, with around five people each year killed by a partner, ex-partner or close family member, according to the Department of Justice (DoJ). The figures were revealed by the department at the launch of a new consultation on Domestic Homicide Reviews.
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Almost 2,000 Calls For Help Made To PSNI Over Christmas Period
The PSNI received a total of 1959 calls for help between 14 December and 01 January from domestic abuse victims and concerned loved ones.
Almost 2,000 Calls For Help Made To PSNI Over Christmas Period
The PSNI received a total of 1959 calls for help between 14 December and 01 January from domestic abuse victims and concerned loved ones.
10 July 2017
Online Campaign To Tackle Domestic Violence Launched
The PSNI has launched a new campaign targeting domestic abuse over the summer months. The online initiative, which will run from now until the end of August, aims to help encourage victims to come forward to report incidents of domestic abuse.
Online Campaign To Tackle Domestic Violence Launched
The PSNI has launched a new campaign targeting domestic abuse over the summer months. The online initiative, which will run from now until the end of August, aims to help encourage victims to come forward to report incidents of domestic abuse.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
