More domestic abuse detectives on duty over Christmas in Merseyside
Police forces often see a spike in domestic abuse cases over the festive period
More Merseyside Police detectives will be on duty over Christmas and New Year to help people at risk of, or experiencing, domestic abuse.
The force is one of many across the country which often see a spike in domestic abuse cases at Christmas.
The detectives will be working on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and over the New Year too to offer advice to patrol officers attending domestic abuse incidents to make sure victims receive the best care possible, which includes support if they choose to go ahead and make a formal complaint to the police or seek help from domestic abuse charities.
Friends, family members and the wider community are being reminded to look out for signs of domestic abuse - whether it be physical harm, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, financial abuse, psychological abuse or coercive or controlling behaviour.
Detective Chief Inspector Barbara Hebden 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 can find the courage to come forward and report what is happening, there are people ready to support you and treat you with compassion, respect and care.
"Domestic abuse in any form is unacceptable"
"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 who have had the courage to tell the police what has happened 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.
"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. 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."
DCI Hebden added:
"If you have concerns that a family member, a friend, a neighbour, or a colleague is a victim of domestic abuse please contact us and let us help.
"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.
"Please reach out"
"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."
Domestic abuse can be reported online here, by calling 101, 999 in an emergency, or by contacting Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.