10% increase in Christmas Day domestic abuse calls; 5% year-on-year spike on New Year’s Eve

There was a five per cent increase in calls on New Year’s Eve.

A total of 3,604 calls for help in relation to domestic abuse incidents were made over the Christmas period during their annual Operation ‘Season’s Greetings’.

On Christmas Day, they received 110 calls from domestic abuse victims and concerned loved ones. This is 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 year before.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, like 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."

DS Fisher said there was also an increase in the number of people arrested and charged.

“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.”

For more information visit: https://www.psni.police.uk/safety-and-support/keeping-safe/protecting-yourself/domestic-abuse

If you are suffering at the hands of an abusive partner or family member or worried about someone you love who might be, please report to the Police on 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.

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 on 0808 802 1414.

Health worker urges people to be on look out for domestic violence this Christmas