Menu
20/12/2011
Domestic Abuse Increases Over Christmas Say Police
Police are predicting an increase in domestic abuse over the Christmas and New Year period, saying that incidents rates can be some 25% higher over the festive period.
Police in Surrey, who are leading an initiate to target domestic abuse, said that during the December 17 to January 4 over last Christmas, there were a total of 687 domestic incidents in Surrey reported to police.
Over the same period in the previous year the number was 769 and for the same period in 2008 to 2009 there were 660 reports.
"This makes a total of 2116 recorded incidents and crimes in just three festive seasons – an increase of about 25% compared to other times of the year."
Surrey police said work was ongoing to try and identify anyone at particular risk, and that domestic abuse happens in every district and borough across the county.
They said analysis had revealed recording of domestic abuse incidents peaks on New Year’s Day and the days that follow.
Meanwhile, about 77% of the victims are likely to be female and 23% to be male. It is also thought that incidents on Christmas Day may be under-reported.
Surrey Police emphasised that domestic abuse was a crime and would be treated as such, with offenders likely to be brought before the specialist Domestic Violence courts to face justice.
Temporary Detective Superintendent Dave Brookes said: “It is distressing to be able to predict with such certainty that by early in the New Year we will have had many victims suffer from a wide range of domestic abuse.
“In Surrey we have developed a good partnership with the other agencies involved and I am grateful for their support which enables me to say with confidence that support is available for victims.
“My message to victims is clear; we are on your side, you are not alone, we will support you and help you receive ongoing support if necessary.
“There is nothing more heart breaking for police officers than attending homes at this time of year and finding children in tears as one adult subjects another to abuse. We all owe it to these families to do all we can to reduce these incidents. It is why I am pleased that more incidents are being reported but distressed that each and every one has occurred.”
Surrey police advised all victims to report incidents to police.
(DW)
Police in Surrey, who are leading an initiate to target domestic abuse, said that during the December 17 to January 4 over last Christmas, there were a total of 687 domestic incidents in Surrey reported to police.
Over the same period in the previous year the number was 769 and for the same period in 2008 to 2009 there were 660 reports.
"This makes a total of 2116 recorded incidents and crimes in just three festive seasons – an increase of about 25% compared to other times of the year."
Surrey police said work was ongoing to try and identify anyone at particular risk, and that domestic abuse happens in every district and borough across the county.
They said analysis had revealed recording of domestic abuse incidents peaks on New Year’s Day and the days that follow.
Meanwhile, about 77% of the victims are likely to be female and 23% to be male. It is also thought that incidents on Christmas Day may be under-reported.
Surrey Police emphasised that domestic abuse was a crime and would be treated as such, with offenders likely to be brought before the specialist Domestic Violence courts to face justice.
Temporary Detective Superintendent Dave Brookes said: “It is distressing to be able to predict with such certainty that by early in the New Year we will have had many victims suffer from a wide range of domestic abuse.
“In Surrey we have developed a good partnership with the other agencies involved and I am grateful for their support which enables me to say with confidence that support is available for victims.
“My message to victims is clear; we are on your side, you are not alone, we will support you and help you receive ongoing support if necessary.
“There is nothing more heart breaking for police officers than attending homes at this time of year and finding children in tears as one adult subjects another to abuse. We all owe it to these families to do all we can to reduce these incidents. It is why I am pleased that more incidents are being reported but distressed that each and every one has occurred.”
Surrey police advised all victims to report incidents to police.
(DW)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
27 March 2014
Police Fail Domestic Abuse Victims
The overall police response to victims of domestic abuse is not good enough and police forces need to take decisive action to rectify this, a report published today by HM Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) finds. It follows an inspection of all 43 police forces in England and Wales.
Police Fail Domestic Abuse Victims
The overall police response to victims of domestic abuse is not good enough and police forces need to take decisive action to rectify this, a report published today by HM Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) finds. It follows an inspection of all 43 police forces in England and Wales.
19 August 2015
New Domestic Violence Campaign Launched
A new campaign has been launched targeting domestic abuse, encouraging victims to not suffer in silence and report incidents. Cumbria Police have launched the 'Do the Right Thing' campaign to address a noted rise in the number of domestic abuse incidents. Police said that in the last four years they have received 2,530 reports of domestic abuse.
New Domestic Violence Campaign Launched
A new campaign has been launched targeting domestic abuse, encouraging victims to not suffer in silence and report incidents. Cumbria Police have launched the 'Do the Right Thing' campaign to address a noted rise in the number of domestic abuse incidents. Police said that in the last four years they have received 2,530 reports of domestic abuse.
21 September 2009
Sporting Events Linked To Domestic Abuse
Police are urging victims of domestic abuse not to suffer in silence. New analysis shows that police often see an increase in incidents reported around the time of high-profile sporting events and when more alcohol is consumed.
Sporting Events Linked To Domestic Abuse
Police are urging victims of domestic abuse not to suffer in silence. New analysis shows that police often see an increase in incidents reported around the time of high-profile sporting events and when more alcohol is consumed.
26 January 2005
Harman to deliver speech on domestic violence privacy law
Solicitor General Harriet Harman will discuss a new law protecting the identities of domestic violence victims at a conference tomorrow. Ms Harman, who is the keynote speaker at the Domestic Abuse Regional Conference, in Newmarket, will discuss the new law, which grants courts the power to prevent the press and media from identifying a witness.
Harman to deliver speech on domestic violence privacy law
Solicitor General Harriet Harman will discuss a new law protecting the identities of domestic violence victims at a conference tomorrow. Ms Harman, who is the keynote speaker at the Domestic Abuse Regional Conference, in Newmarket, will discuss the new law, which grants courts the power to prevent the press and media from identifying a witness.
21 September 2015
New Domestic Abuse Guidelines Issued For Police
Police in England and Wales are to be given guidance on how to spot patterns of domestic abuse and how to pursue prosecutions without relying on victims. The guidance has been issued by the College of Policing as statistics show a woman is, on average, assaulted 35 times before her first call to police.
New Domestic Abuse Guidelines Issued For Police
Police in England and Wales are to be given guidance on how to spot patterns of domestic abuse and how to pursue prosecutions without relying on victims. The guidance has been issued by the College of Policing as statistics show a woman is, on average, assaulted 35 times before her first call to police.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A dry and sunny start but cloud bubbling up with a few showers developing from late morning. Becoming dry and sunny along the east coast in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Showers gradually die out to leave good clear spells in the evening and overnight. This will allow a few fog patches to develop in places. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
