Police deal with nearly 2,000 cases of domestic abuse in Northern Ireland over festive period

COPS was called to 170 domestic abuse cases on New Year’s Day in Northern Ireland, the latest figures show.

The grim stats are part of an overall 12% increase in similar cases over the course of two festive weeks.

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Police said they received a total of 1,959 calls between December 14 and January 1.

Revealing the numbers, Chief Inspector Lindsay Fisher said: “Sadly, for many people, Christmas isn’t always the best time of year.

“During the festive period, we often see increased reports of domestic abuse and unfortunately this year was no exception.”
She said the calls came from both the victim and the loved ones involved.

Chief Inspector Fisher added that PSNI The domestic abuse message ‘Season’s Greeting’ during this same time period is intended to encourage reporting of incidents.

Statistical analysis shows that on Christmas Day, 100 cases of domestic abuse were reported to the Police Department.

That number is down 18 from the previous year.

But on Gift Day, 145 incidents were reported, up from 132 the year before.

On New Year’s Eve, 100 incidents were reported, compared with 75 incidents in the same period the previous year.

And 170 calls on New Year’s Day were up from 142 last year.

Chief Inspector Fisher said: “Family abuse is not just about physical. If your partner or loved one is threatening, controlling, violent or mistreat you, this is a crime.

“You don’t have to be silent. The Northern Ireland Police Department is here to assist you. Not just at Christmas, but all year round. 24 hours a day. Daily.”

Call your local police on non-emergency 101 or, in an emergency, call 999.

The 24-hour family and sexual abuse helpline is available to anyone with concerns about domestic or sexual violence, current or former on 0808 802 1414.