Police have revealed they could deal with an extra 300 domestic violence related incidents over Christmas.
The shocking figure comes as a festive campaign is launched to encourage more victims, both men and women, to come forward as police anticipate a spike of incidents this month.
Det Chief Insp Sue Cawley, of Lancashire Constabulary’s public protection team, added: “Our message to victims is simple - you and your children have the right to live in safety. You should not be scared in your own home.
“Your partner does not have the right to dominate and control you.
“You should not have to worry about how they will react to what you do.
She added domestic abuse was not just physical, it could also include emotional abuse, isolating victims from friends and family, and being financially controlling.
She said: “We will monitor the numbers of reports to ourselves. Success is a difficult word to use because to have received a call it usually means someone has gone through something we would rather they hadn’t had to endure.”
The number of incidents of domestic abuse reported in the last year rose by 2% compared to the previous year, to 28,000 cases.
Lancashire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Clive Grunshaw, is backing the campaign, ‘Handled with Care’, and is urging people to help raise awareness of the issue and those who witness domestic abuse to come forward.
He said: “Domestic abuse has been increasing year on year. On average a woman is assaulted 35 times before making that first call for help.
“We want to encourage them to get help and support sooner.”
“The campaign aims to encourage victims to seek help and encourage others to report abuse of friends, family, neighbours or colleagues. Domestic abuse is not private - it is the responsibility of everyone to protect victims and children.”
Statistically, incidents of domestic abuse increase over Christmas, when the extra pressures of family, money and an increase in alcohol consumption exacerbates domestic abuse incidents.
Mr Grunshaw said that the issue of domestic abuse is one of his priorities as Police and Crime Commissioner.
He added: “Victims of abuse often feel too ashamed or afraid to speak out, and all too often, society turns a blind eye.
“We all need to play our part to make sure offenders are prosecuted; if we keep silent, we become part of the problem. I believe that changing attitudes is the only way we will end domestic abuse.”
Many calls to helplines look for emotional support rather than seeking to escape their situation at Christmas.
One 32-year-old victim said: “I just wanted the kids to have a normal Christmas.
“I didn’t want them going back to school after the holidays to have to tell their friends they had to leave home and stay in a refuge.”
Andrea Thorley-Baines, Chair of Lancashire Against Domestic Abuse (LADA), added: “We are committed to breaking the cycle of domestic abuse and everyone has a role to play in recognising the harm that living with domestic abuse has on victims and their families.
“For many victims domestic abuse is a way of life, it is our responsibility to support them to make safe choices for their future - a life free from violence and abuse.”
Call Preston Women’s Refuge on 01772 201601 or the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0800 2000 247.
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