Domestic abuse incidents in Northern Ireland have reached a record high.

The 5.9% increase in the last year, as revealed by the PSNI, brought cases to the highest point since records began in 2004/05.

In the year to March 2019 there were 31,682 incidents recorded, an extra 1,769 than the previous year.

Officers respond to reports of domestic abuse every 17 minutes in the region.

The data comes as the PSNI launches its summer domestic abuse campaign featuring a new animation. Funded by the Department of Justice, the video will run across all of the PSNI's social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Detective Superintendent Anthony McNally from the PSNI's Public Protection Branch hopes the campaign will encourage anyone who is a victim of domestic abuse to report it. He said: "If someone watching this video is a victim of domestic abuse, I hope it will help give them the courage to pick up the phone and tell us what they are going through. I also hope it will help raise awareness about how to recognise domestic abuse, and where to access support and help.

"Very often people who are being abused don't know where to turn, but I want to encourage all victims - regardless of age, race, gender or sexual orientation - to come forward and report the matter to us. Speak out to stop it and we will help you."

Reminding the public that each statistic represents a victim, the senior police officer issued a direct appeal to anyone suffering at the hands of an abuser.

Detective Superintendent McNally continued: "While our figures show more victims have found the strength to pick up the phone and make a report, we should never forget the often long lasting and sometimes devastating impact of abuse. I want to take this opportunity to reassure anyone who is a victim of abuse, you are not alone.

"Help is out there in many forms, and every step of the way, so please come forward and report what is happening to us. Please, remember, we are here to listen and to work with our partners to protect and help you."

He added: "Domestic abuse is a crime and until victims are aware there is a safe environment to share their concerns, they will continue to hold on to the secret of domestic abuse."

Anyone suffering from domestic abuse should contact police on non-emergency line 101, or in an emergency call 999. A 24-hour Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline is also available for anyone with concerns about domestic or sexual abuse, now or in the past, on 0808 802 1414.

Anthony Harbinson, Safer Communities Director at the Department of Justice said: "The Department of Justice, which is committed to tackling domestic and sexual violence and abuse through its cross-departmental strategy, is pleased to support this important initiative. We hope this video will help raise public awareness of the often hidden nature of domestic abuse within our community and encourage people to come forward to seek help."

The new campaign video can be viewed below:





(JG/CM)