There were 3,604 calls for help made to the PSNI over the festive period in 2022, newly released figures have shown.

Figures from the PSNI show that a total of 3,604 calls for help in relation to domestic abuse incidents were made over the Christmas period during its annual Operation ‘Season’s Greetings’.

On Christmas Day, the PSNI received 110 calls from domestic abuse victims and concerned loved ones – an increase of 10 per cent from 2021. On New Year’s Eve, the PSNI received 106 calls – an increase of 5 per cent on the previous year’s figure.

The PSNI began its yearly domestic abuse awareness raising at the end of November, and these figures cover the period between November 24, 2022 and January 2, 2023.

Detective Superintendent Lindsay Fisher said: “During the festive period, we often see reports of domestic abuse increase on key dates, such as Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve.

“Although these figures are shocking, we know that a large number of incidents still go unreported to police and we will continue to encourage all victims to reach out to us for help.

Behind each one of the statistics is a victim who, statistics suggest, has endured up to 35 incidents of abuse before coming forward to report.”

Detailing arrest figures, Superintendent Fisher said: “We are determined to do all we can to protect them and bring perpetrators to justice.

“During this year’s festive operation, we made 753 arrests for domestic abuse offences – an increase of nearly 15 per cent compared to last year; 340 of these resulted in a charge – an increase of nearly 17 per cent.

“Domestic abuse, in all its forms, has no place in our society, and tackling these crimes remains one of the PSNI’s top priorities.”

--------------------------

Domestic abuse is not just physical. If your partner or loved one is being threatening, controlling, violent or abusive towards you, this is a crime. For further information on the different forms of domestic abuse, see: https://tinyurl.com/5ek5d5yp.

If you are suffering at the hands of an abusive partner or family member, or are worried about someone who might be, please report this to the police at 101, or in an emergency, always dial 999.

If it is an emergency and you’ve dialled 999 but cannot speak, then stay on the line and press 55 when prompted, then cough or tap in response to the operator’s queries. This is called the ‘silent solution’.

A 24-hour domestic and sexual abuse helpline is available to anyone who has concerns about domestic or sexual violence, now or in the past, at 0808 802 1414.

START YOUR SUBSCRIPTION IN OUR JANUARY SALE. ENJOY YOUR FIRST TWO MONTHS FOR JUST £2 HERE