13/01/2025
Police Respond To Almost 1,300 Domestic Abuse Calls
Police in Northern Ireland have reported a decrease in the number of calls received relating to domestic abuse incidents over the Christmas period. Figures released by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) show that 1,228 calls were made during Operation 'Season's Greetings', which ran from 20th December 2024 to 2nd January 2025.
While the overall number of calls decreased compared to previous years, the PSNI made 410 arrests during this period, a 7% increase from 2023.
The PSNI received 83 calls on Christmas Day, a 10% decrease from the previous year. On Boxing Day, 102 calls were received, a 23% decrease. New Year's Eve saw 84 calls, a 6% decrease.
Despite the decrease in calls, the PSNI emphasised that domestic abuse is a serious crime and urged anyone experiencing or witnessing abuse to contact them immediately.
The PSNI has urged anyone experiencing domestic abuse to contact them on 101 or 999 in an emergency.
Detective Chief Superintendent Lindsay Fisher of the Police Service's Public Protection Branch said: "It saddens me every year, when Christmas time approaches, that the reality for so many is that it isn't a happy, enjoyable time for their family.
"Usually we see reports of domestic abuse increase at this time of the year and although this year's figures are substantially more than the daily average, we are seeing the numbers of reports for the festive period begin to decrease.
"This year however we have seen another increase in successful arrests for domestic abuse offences. We hope this plays some part in giving people continued confidence to recognise and report abusive behaviours to us. "It must never be forgotten that behind each one of these numbers is a victim who, statistics suggest, has endured up to 35 incidents of abuse before coming forward to report.
"Domestic abuse, in all its forms, has no place in our society and tackling these crimes remains one of Police Service of Northern Ireland'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 more information on the different forms of domestic abuse visit: 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. 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 on 0808 802 1414.
Remember you also have the right to ask if you are worried that someone you know might have a history of domestic abuse. The Domestic Violence and Abuse Disclosure Scheme (DVADS) is operated by the police and allows enquiries to be made about partners, ex partners or someone else's partner. Find out more: www.psni.police.uk/safety-and-support/keeping-safe/protecting-yourself/domestic-abuse/domestic-violence-and-abuse
While the overall number of calls decreased compared to previous years, the PSNI made 410 arrests during this period, a 7% increase from 2023.
The PSNI received 83 calls on Christmas Day, a 10% decrease from the previous year. On Boxing Day, 102 calls were received, a 23% decrease. New Year's Eve saw 84 calls, a 6% decrease.
Despite the decrease in calls, the PSNI emphasised that domestic abuse is a serious crime and urged anyone experiencing or witnessing abuse to contact them immediately.
The PSNI has urged anyone experiencing domestic abuse to contact them on 101 or 999 in an emergency.
Detective Chief Superintendent Lindsay Fisher of the Police Service's Public Protection Branch said: "It saddens me every year, when Christmas time approaches, that the reality for so many is that it isn't a happy, enjoyable time for their family.
"Usually we see reports of domestic abuse increase at this time of the year and although this year's figures are substantially more than the daily average, we are seeing the numbers of reports for the festive period begin to decrease.
"This year however we have seen another increase in successful arrests for domestic abuse offences. We hope this plays some part in giving people continued confidence to recognise and report abusive behaviours to us. "It must never be forgotten that behind each one of these numbers is a victim who, statistics suggest, has endured up to 35 incidents of abuse before coming forward to report.
"Domestic abuse, in all its forms, has no place in our society and tackling these crimes remains one of Police Service of Northern Ireland'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 more information on the different forms of domestic abuse visit: 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. 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 on 0808 802 1414.
Remember you also have the right to ask if you are worried that someone you know might have a history of domestic abuse. The Domestic Violence and Abuse Disclosure Scheme (DVADS) is operated by the police and allows enquiries to be made about partners, ex partners or someone else's partner. Find out more: www.psni.police.uk/safety-and-support/keeping-safe/protecting-yourself/domestic-abuse/domestic-violence-and-abuse
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24 March 2009
NI Domestic Call-Outs 'Endemic'
Police respond to a domestic call-out every 23 minutes in Northern Ireland, in what has been described as an 'endemic problem' of abuse in the home. According to a report by the Policing Board, one in four women in the province will be attacked by their partner.
NI Domestic Call-Outs 'Endemic'
Police respond to a domestic call-out every 23 minutes in Northern Ireland, in what has been described as an 'endemic problem' of abuse in the home. According to a report by the Policing Board, one in four women in the province will be attacked by their partner.
11 February 2009
Domestic Violence Targeted
There has been a call for more to be done to tackle the issue of domestic violence. Members of the Northern Ireland Policing Board met this week with senior police officers and officials from the Department of Health & Social Services to discuss ongoing programmes of work to deal with both domestic violence and abuse.
Domestic Violence Targeted
There has been a call for more to be done to tackle the issue of domestic violence. Members of the Northern Ireland Policing Board met this week with senior police officers and officials from the Department of Health & Social Services to discuss ongoing programmes of work to deal with both domestic violence and abuse.
19 February 2020
Over 3,000 Calls For Help Made Over Christmas
Over 3,000 calls for help during domestic abuse incidents were made to police over the Christmas period, it's been revealed. Of these 3,036 calls, some 96 were made on Christmas Day, a time when families traditionally come together to celebrate.
Over 3,000 Calls For Help Made Over Christmas
Over 3,000 calls for help during domestic abuse incidents were made to police over the Christmas period, it's been revealed. Of these 3,036 calls, some 96 were made on Christmas Day, a time when families traditionally come together to celebrate.
24 January 2024
PSNI Received 2,228 Domestic-Abuse Calls Over Christmas Period
The PSNI responded to a total of 2,228 domestic abuse calls between 20th November 2023 and 2nd January 2024, during their annual Operation 'Season's Greetings'. On these key festive dates from 24th December 2023 to 1st January 2024, the service also arrested more under 18s for domestic abuse related offences than the previous three years.
PSNI Received 2,228 Domestic-Abuse Calls Over Christmas Period
The PSNI responded to a total of 2,228 domestic abuse calls between 20th November 2023 and 2nd January 2024, during their annual Operation 'Season's Greetings'. On these key festive dates from 24th December 2023 to 1st January 2024, the service also arrested more under 18s for domestic abuse related offences than the previous three years.
17 August 2021
Police To Warn Schools If Pupils Affected By Domestic Violence
Schools across the Downpatrick area are to take part in a pilot programme, which will see police share information with schools where there have been instances of domestic abuse involving a child. This will allow officers to pass on relevant information to the school the child attends so that the right support can be put in place.
Police To Warn Schools If Pupils Affected By Domestic Violence
Schools across the Downpatrick area are to take part in a pilot programme, which will see police share information with schools where there have been instances of domestic abuse involving a child. This will allow officers to pass on relevant information to the school the child attends so that the right support can be put in place.