Domestic abuse: don't suffer in silence this Christmas
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Christmas is a time for joy but sadly this isn’t the case for everyone. Across the UK police forces often see a spike in domestic abuse cases at Christmas.
During the festive period an increase in alcohol consumption and financial pressure within families can lead to physical abuse within relationships. It can also be a catalyst for psychological abuse with coercive and controlling behaviour creating fear in relationships and homes.
We don’t want anyone to suffer in silence. We want to reassure victims that, together with our partners, we are still here to support them throughout the festive period and beyond. We can listen and we can take action.
We are reminding friends, family members and the wider community of the importance of recognising the signs that someone may be suffering.
Domestic abuse comes in many different forms and does not always mean physical violence, it can also be emotional, sexual, financial or psychological abuse. It can also include coercive and controlling behaviour and affects the lives of many people from all different backgrounds regardless of gender, age, race, or religion.
Merseyside Police has dedicated, specially trained officers to support victims and those officers, together with partners, will be working throughout Christmas and New Year, to help people experiencing, or at risk of, domestic abuse.
Detective Chief Inspector Lynsay Armbruster from the Protecting Vulnerable People Unit said: “We know this time of year can be particularly difficult for victims of domestic abuse and although making those first steps and reporting abuse can be daunting, there is support available, not just from Merseyside Police but partners too.
“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.
“There is a range of help available from specially trained officers in the forces Protecting Vulnerable People Unit, to IDVAs (Independent Domestic Violence Advisors) and numerous charities and organisations across Merseyside. If you can find the courage to come forward and report it, there are people ready to support you and treat you with compassion, respect and care.
"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."
To report domestic abuse you can contact @MerPolCC, report online - Report domestic abuse | Merseyside Police, via 101, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. In an emergency always call 999.
Local Support Agencies
Worst Kept Secret
Merseyside helpline - Freephone 0800 028 3398
Savera UK
Tackling domestic abuse within black and minority ethnic communities
Freephone 0800 107 0726 or 0151 709 6586*
*24 hour voicemail facility
www.saverauk.co.uk
Safe Place
Sexual assault referral centre for Merseyside
0151 295 3550*
*24 hours, 365 days a year
www.safeplacemerseyside.org.uk
RASA Merseyside
Support for survivors of rape and sexual abuse
0151 666 1392*
*Tuesday 6pm - 8pm, Thursday 6pm - 8pm, Friday 12pm – 2pm
www.rasamerseyside.org
Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre
Cheshire and Merseyside
0330 363 0063
Liverpool Domestic Abuse Service
0800 084 2744 / 0151 263 7474
www.liverpooldomesticabuseservice.org.uk
Centre 56
Women and children’s aid centre
0151 727 1355
www.centre56.org.uk
South Liverpool Domestic Abuse Services
0800 083 7114 / 0151 494 2222
www.sl-domesticabuseservices.org.uk
Amadudu Women’s Refuge
0151 734 0083
Helena Refuge
Support for male or female victims
01925 220 541 (24hrs)
Listening Ear
Support for children and young people
0151 488 6648
Wirral Women’s and Children’s Aid
(Wirral Refuge) – 0151 643 9766
Sefton Women’s and Children’s Aid (SWACA)
0151 922 8606
The First Step, Knowsley
0151 548 3333
St Helens Safe2Speak Support and advice
01744 743200
www.safe2speak.co.uk
St Helens Safe2Speak:
Emergency assistance with accommodation – 01925 220541
(24 hours)
Mind
www.mind.org.uk
Samaritans
www.samaritans.org
Call 116 123 for free