Lancashire Police are urging victims of domestic abuse not to suffer in silence this Christmas.
The force has launched a Christmas campaign aimed at tackling domestic abuse over the festive season, reinforcing the message that it is a crime and urging victims to come forward and contact police.
Police are keen to point out that domestic abuse isn’t just violence. It can be physical, emotional, psychological, financial and sexual. Anyone who is forced to alter their behaviour because they are frightened of their partner’s reaction is being abused.
Between 01/04/2010 to 31/03/211 there were over 28,000 incidents of domestic abuse reported to the police and in nearly three out of four cases the offender is charged and brought to justice.
This Christmas officers will be conducting visits to victims subjected to domestic violence last Christmas alongside independent domestic abuse representatives. Offenders who carried out domestic abuse during the last festive period will also be visited and warned.
Head of Lancashire Constabulary’s Public Protection Unit Detective Superintendent Ian Critchley said: “There is nothing more inexcusable than abuse carried out behind closed doors by so called ‘loved ones’.
“Sadly every year over the Christmas period the number of domestic abuse incidents reported to us increases.
“On average a woman is assaulted 35 times before she makes her first call for help and we are working hard to bring this figure down. Victims of domestic abuse and their children have the right to live safety in their own home. They should be reassured that the abuse is not their fault and you they are not alone.
“I would also like to send out a message to perpetrators that we will do all we can to arrest them and bring them before the courts.
“Domestic abuse can devastate families and relationships and the police can offer protection and help to find safe accommodation.
“If you are ever in danger, call 999 and the police will investigate and protect you from harm.”