Extra officers to protect domestic abuse victims over festive period
There is often a spike in domestic abuse cases over Christmas
There are specialist Merseyside Police detectives on shift 24/7 over the festive period to help any victims of domestic abuse.
Forces across the country often see a spike in domestic abuse cases at this time of year - with an increase in alcohol consumption and financial pressure within families often leading to physical abuse within relationships.
It's often a catalyst for psychological abuse with coercive or controlling behaviour creating fear in relationships and homes.
Specialist domestic abuse investigators will be offering advice to patrol officers going to domestic abuse incidents, to help people at risk of or experiencing domestic abuse.
The force is also asking friends, family members and the wider community to recognise the signs that someone may be suffering, as well victims are sometimes unable to contact police themselves.
Detective Superintendent Joe Marston from the Protecting Vulnerable People Unit said:
"We know this time of year can be particularly difficult for victims of domestic abuse and although taking those first steps and reporting abuse can be daunting, there is support available, not just from Merseyside Police but our partners too.
"There is a range of help available from specially trained officers within the force’s Protecting Vulnerable People Unit, IDVAs (Independent Domestic Violence Advisors) and numerous charities and organisations across Merseyside. If you come forward and report what is happening, there are people ready to support you and treat you with compassion, respect and care.
"Victims of domestic abuse can understandably be very upset and emotional when the police attend an incident in their home and patrols often have to make sure they receive the support and care they require, whilst at the same time dealing with a suspect who may be aggressive or violent. We want to ensure victims receive the best possible care and support from us from the very start. Our primary focus is to look after them, taking them away from the offender to speak to them about what happened, and getting them the help they need to break the cycle of abuse they may be suffering."
Detective Superintendent Marston added:
"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.
"All reports are treated seriously, they will be investigated sensitively and we will work with our partners to offer support and keep victims safe. We will do everything we can to ensure perpetrators are brought to justice.
"Every domestic incident is unique and the background to each one can be very complex. It is very important to us that we use the right, specialist resources whenever we can, so the victims of this terrible crime are protected, and their needs are put first.
"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."
Local support agencies:
- Worst Kept Secret - Freephone 0800 028 3398
- Savera UK - Free[hpme 0800 107 0726 or 0151 709 6586
- Safe Place - 0151 295 3550
- RASA Merseyside - 0151 666 1392
- Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre - 0330 363 0063
- Liverpool Domestic Abuse Service - 0800 084 2744 / 0151 263 7474
- Centre 56 - 0151 727 1355
- South Liverpool Domestic Abuse Services - 0800 083 7114 / 0151 494 2222
- Amadudu Women's Refuge - 0151 734 0083
- Helena Refuge - 01925 220 541
- Listening Ear - 0151 488 6648
- Wirral Women's and Children's Aid - 0151 643 9766
- Sefton Women's and Children's Aid - 0151 922 8606
- The First Step, Knowsley - 0151 548 3333
- St Helens Safe2Speak Support and Advice - 01744 743200
- Mind - www.mind.org.uk
- Samaritans - 116 123 / www.samaritans.org
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