Domestic abuse service in Peterborough expecting rise in calls over Christmas
Staff at Peterborough Women's Aid have been preparing for an increase in calls this time of year, when victims are more at risk.
Staff at Peterborough Women's Aid have been preparing for an increase in calls this time of year, when victims are more at risk.
With there being a big emphasis on being at home with the family over the holiday season, there's an increased chance of more victims suffering.
We've been speaking to Peterborough Women's Aid CEO, Mandy Geraghty, who says they're on hand to help:
We have a lot more calls over Christmas time - especially from those mothers and children who have left their abusive relationships and now find themselves alone at Christmas.
"Many perpetrators blame their violence or abuse behaviours on alcohol, financial problems or family rows but that is absolutely no excuse to be abusive.
"We also have concerns from women around extended family coming into the home, it can be a risky time as perpetrators can feel out of control, and the abuse can get a lot worse
"The kind of calls we have come in at the moment are really quite varied, calls from women who are just fearful around Christmas time generally, and we know domestic abuse increases purely because of the fact the perpetrator is at home more."