Take Action Against Domestic Abuse This Christmas – Pleads Merseyside Police

Merseyside Police offers support for domestic abuse victims during the festive period

Christmas is a time for joy but sadly this isn’t the case for everyone. Across the UK, police forces often see a spike in domestic abuse cases at Christmas.

During the festive period 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. 

We don’t want anyone to suffer in silence. We want to reassure victims that, together with our partners, we are still here to support them throughout the festive period and beyond. We can listen and we can take action.

Additional detectives will be on duty during key dates to provide further support to victims and to service domestic abuse related investigations.  This will include specialist domestic abuse investigators who will also be available during the Christmas and New Year period who can offer advice to patrol officers attending domestic abuse incidents, to help people at risk of or experiencing domestic abuse. This will ensure victims receive the best care possible. The additional measures will ensure victims are fully supported if they choose to go ahead and make a formal complaint to the police, or access advice from domestic abuse charities.

We are reminding friends, family members and the wider community of the importance of recognising the signs that someone may be suffering. Domestic abuse comes in many different forms and does not always mean physical violence, it can also be emotional, sexual, financial or psychological abuse. It can also include coercive or controlling behaviour and affects the lives of many people from all different backgrounds regardless of gender, age, race, or religion.

Detective Chief Inspector Barbara Hebden 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 can find the courage to 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 that the victim receives 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 who have had the courage to tell the police what has happened receive the best possible care and support from us from the very start. Our primary focus is to look after the victim, 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 in any form is unacceptable and something no-one should have to tolerate. I want to encourage not only victims, but friends, family members and the wider community to come forward and report it if they suspect someone is suffering. Sometimes victims are unable to contact the police, which is why it’s so important that the people around them, who suspect something is happening, can do it on their behalf."

Detective Chief Inspector Hebden added: “If you have concerns that a family member, a friend, a neighbour, or a colleague is a victim of domestic abuse please contact us and let us help.

“All reports are treated seriously, they will be investigated sensitively and we will work with our partners to offer support and keep victims safe.  We will do everything we can to ensure perpetrators are brought to justice.

“Every domestic incident is unique and the background to each one can be very complex. It is very important to us that we use the right, specialist resources whenever we can, so the victims of this terrible crime are protected, and their needs are put first.

"Christmas brings added pressures on family situations and mental health and no-one should be suffering in silence. If you need help, or know someone that does, please reach out."

To report domestic abuse you can contact @MerPolCC, report online - Report domestic abuse | Merseyside Police, via 101, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. In an emergency you should always dial 999.