Police in Cumbria begin Christmas domestic abuse crackdown
They want to make sure everyone is safe at home during the festive period.
Last updated 6th Dec 2023
Cumbria Police are urging anyone suffering domestic abuse to reach out and seek help, with research highlighting the tragic impact such crimes can have.
National figures show three women per week on average are murdered by a current or former partner.
Recent analysis by academics, charities and victims’ groups also point to the further impact of these offences.
Figures suggest the number of women’s deaths linked to domestic abuse rises to 10 per week when suicide of people affected is also taken into account.
These national findings feed into Cumbria Constabulary’s overall approach to tackling these offences every day, with our officers helping those suffering domestic abuse all-year-round.
Due to a historical rise in offences as Christmas approaches, the force are emphasising at this time of year the importance of coming forward and seeking help if you are suffering abuse.
The weeks covering the Christmas period tend to lead to an increase in reports of domestic abuse, when alcohol-fuelled nights out, the stresses of this time of year and inflamed emotions arise and combine.
Additional street patrols will run with officers briefed on key factors to watch out for to prevent violence against women and girls.
Other extra measures during this busy period include having an independent support worker for victims of domestic abuse accompanying officers on patrol.
Detective Chief Inspector Vicki Coombes is the force’s lead officer on domestic abuse.
She said: "Christmas should be a happy time and in itself this time of year is not a cause of domestic abuse.
"But environments involving high emotions and alcohol consumption can sometimes lead to violent or abusive behaviour.
"It’s shocking to think of the tragic legacy these offences can have, beyond the initial impact of the violence or coercive behaviour itself.
"That’s why we say nobody should ever have to suffer domestic abuse. If you’re scared at home, there is help out there."
Working with partners in other agencies and the criminal justice system, police aim to put people before the courts where they can.
According to some of the latest statistics, conviction rates at court in Cumbria for domestic abuse were sitting at 90 per cent in September, against a national average of 76 per cent. Consistently Cumbria is above the national average.
DCI Coombes said: "Tackling these awful crimes and safeguarding vulnerable people is a key priority for us.
"We take all reports seriously and we treat all cases with sensitivity.
"If you are suffering, please get in touch. We are here to help and support you. Even if right now you only have questions, I would urge you to contact us."
The key aims of Cumbria Constabulary’s domestic abuse campaign are to encourage people to report abuse and to highlight the support services available.
DCI Coombes said: "There is a whole wealth of support services available in Cumbria – this can include counselling, financial advice, substance or alcohol misuse or emotional health and wellbeing."
The constabulary constantly evaluates its own response and aims to always improve the service it provides – and how it deals with domestic abuse is no different in this respect.
Since last year the force has given 750 officers advanced training to deal with domestic abuse, specifically controlling and coercive behaviour.
This is now automatically part of training for new recruits.
The force also has more than 75 domestic abuse champions – officers and staff across all ranks who promote positive handling of domestic abuses cases and give other officers support and advice.
Training has also been given to health professionals and other partners, including local authority staff, to help them identify domestic abuse when dealing with people in their own fields of work.