Domestic Abuse: Don’t suffer in silence this Christmas

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 pressure within families can lead to physical abuse within relationships. It can also be a catalyst for psychological abuse with coercive and controlling behaviour creating fear in relationships and homes. 

Merseyside Police don’t want anyone to suffer in silence. It wants to reassure victims that, together with its partners, it is still here to support them throughout the festive period and beyond. It can listen and it can take action.

Merseyside Police 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 and controlling behaviour and affects the lives of many people from all different backgrounds regardless of gender, age, race, or religion.

Merseyside Police has dedicated, specially trained officers to support victims and those officers, together with partners, will be working throughout Christmas and New Year, to help people experiencing, or at risk of, domestic abuse.

Detective Chief Inspector Lynsay Armbruster from the Protecting Vulnerable People Unit said:

“We know this time of year can be particularly difficult for victims of domestic abuse and although making those first steps and reporting abuse can be daunting, there is support available, not just from Merseyside Police but partners too.

“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.

“There is a range of help available from specially trained officers in the forces Protecting Vulnerable People Unit, to IDVAs (Independent Domestic Violence Advisors) and numerous charities and organisations across Merseyside. If you can find the courage to come forward and report it, there are people ready to support you and treat you with compassion, respect and care.

“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 always call 999.