THE PSNI has released figures today (February 24) on domestic abuse incidents over the Christmas period, which saw an increase in reports on Christmas Day from the previous year.

The figures were compiled following a PSNI campaign entitled ‘Speak Out’, which ran from December 9 to January 17, that was held to encourage the reporting of domestic abuse incidents and make victims aware they could come forward to report abuse to police, and be sure they would be treated with respect and dignity.

Detective Superintendent Eamonn Corrigan, PSNI’s Public Protection Branch, said: “Domestic abuse in all its forms is a terrifying crime that can affect anyone.

"We are all living in extraordinary times, trying to deal with the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, which can make those suffering from domestic abuse feel even more isolated and vulnerable.

“However, my message is clear – you are not alone. Do not suffer in silence, please talk to us. We are here to help you. We will treat you with sensitivity and respect and help you explore your options to get justice.

"I can assure everyone who comes to us that we will be with them every step of the way.

“It is important that anyone suffering from domestic abuse knows they should not have to endure this horrific behaviour, and that there are people who can help them make it stop.

“Police are not the only body who offer advice and help in cases of domestic abuse – we also work closely with a range of partner agencies, including Women’s Aid, Rainbow Project and Men’s Advisory Project, who also offer a wide range of services and advice.”

He continued: “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 can rise.

Singling out three sample data sets from the latest statistics, he said: “During our recent Christmas domestic abuse campaign, we received 3,341 calls for help in relation to domestic abuse incidents, compared to 3,584 for the same period the year before, marking a decrease of 243 calls.

“During this same period, we received 2,116 reports of domestic crimes, compared to 2,155 for the same period the year before, marking a decrease of 39 calls.”

He continued: “On Christmas Day, 111 incidents of domestic abuse were reported to us, compared to 96 for the same period the year before, marking an increase of 15 reports.

“On the same day, we received 72 reports of domestic crimes, compared to 53 for the same period the year before, marking an increase of 19 crimes.

“Then, on December 26, 132 incidents of domestic abuse were reported to us, compared to 118 for the same period the year before, marking an increase of 14 reports.

“On the same day, we also received 100 reports of domestic crimes, compared to 73 for the same period the year before, marking an increase of 27 reports.

“Finally, on New Year’s Day, we received reports of 139 incidents of domestic abuse, compared to 189 for the same period the year before, marking a decrease of 50 calls.

“That same day, we also received 98 reports of domestic crimes, compared to 111 for the same period the year before, marking a decrease of 13 reports.”

He added: “Our role is about prevention, protection and prosecution; to prevent further violence, to protect the victim, children and other vulnerable people and to facilitate the prosecution of offenders.

“We want anyone impacted by domestic abuse to know there is help out there.

“Police can be contacted on 101; a 24-hour Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline is also available to anyone who has concerns about domestic or sexual violence, now or in the past, at 0808 802 1414.

“We also have the Silent Solutions Service, which enables a 999 caller who is too scared to make a noise, or speak, to press 55 when prompted.”