Support for domestic abuse victims over the festive period

Christmas is a time for joy but sadly for those who are living through domestic abuse, Christmas can be a frightening and isolating time.

Across the UK, police forces often see a spike in domestic abuse cases at Christmas. An increase in alcohol consumption and financial pressures within families can lead to physical abuse within relationships. It can also be a catalyst for psychological abuse with coercive or controlling behaviour creating fear in relationships and homes. 

We want to reassure victim-survivors 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.

Additional detectives will be on duty during key dates to provide further support to victims and to service domestic abuse related investigations.  This will include specialist domestic abuse investigators who will also be available during the Christmas and New Year period who can offer advice to patrol officers attending domestic abuse incidents, to help people at risk of or experiencing domestic abuse. This will ensure victims receive the best care possible.

Merseyside Police are one of the pilot forces working closely with the Crown Prosecution Service with the aim of expediting charging decisions, leading to a better service for victim-survivors.

In Liverpool and Wirral we also have Operation Blackbird which places an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) alongside police to visit victims of domestic abuse and offer that additional support. It is hoped that if this proves successful it can be rolled out across Merseyside.

 The additional measures will ensure victims are fully supported if they choose to go ahead and make a formal complaint to the police, or access advice from domestic abuse charities.

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 or controlling behaviour and affects the lives of many people from all different backgrounds regardless of gender, age, race, or religion.

We are also reminding friends, family members and the wider community of the importance of recognising the signs that someone may be suffering. Sometimes victims are unable to contact the police, which is why it’s so important that the people around them, who suspect something is happening, can do it on their behalf.

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 that the victim receives 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 the victim, 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."

If you have any non-urgent information on domestic abuse – if you are a victim or believe someone you know is a victim - you can contact us via direct message @MerPolCC on Twitter, ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ on Facebook or contact @CrimestoppersUK, anonymously on 0800 555 111. You can also report via our website.

If you are in immediate danger, always call 999. If you ring 999 and are not in a safe position to speak to us then cough, or tap, the phone and press 55, when prompted. This will alert the operator that you need assistance and we will provide support.

You can also request information under Clare’s Law, the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme. This scheme enables the police to release information about any previous history of violence or abuse a person might have.

Find out more here: Request information under Clare's Law: Make a Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS) application | Merseyside Police

Further information on the local and national support available can be found here: Support organisations for victims of domestic violence | Merseyside Police

For more information on what Merseyside Police is doing to tackle Violence Against Women and Girls visit www.merseyside.police.uk/vawg