Northern Ireland

Domestic abuse at highest level since 2004

Detective Superintendent Ryan Henderson at the launch of the PSNI's anti-domestic violence Christmas campaign
Detective Superintendent Ryan Henderson at the launch of the PSNI's anti-domestic violence Christmas campaign Detective Superintendent Ryan Henderson at the launch of the PSNI's anti-domestic violence Christmas campaign

DOMESTIC abuse is at its highest level since 2004, according to the PSNI.

Speaking at the launch of the force's annual anti-domestic violence Christmas campaign, a senior officer said more than 31,000 reports were recorded between October 1 2017 and September 30 this year.

The figure - an increase of 5.4 per cent on the previous 12 months - was the highest since the PSNI started recording domestic abuse statistics in 2004/05.

Detective Superintendent Ryan Henderson said the anti-abuse campaign will run until mid-January.

"We want to remind people they do not have to suffer in silence; that they can come forward to report any incident of domestic abuse to police," he said.

"Domestic abuse doesn’t only occur at Christmas; it happens all year round."

On New Year's Day this year, police received 142 calls for help compared to 147 the previous year.

A report of domestic abuse is made to police on average every 17 minutes.

Mr Henderson said the figures showed victims were more willing to report the crime.

"Unfortunately, many incidents of domestic abuse still go unreported, but we hope this campaign will go some way towards changing that and will encourage anyone impacted by domestic abuse to report it to us," he said.

"Domestic abuse is a terrifying crime, which can have a long lasting impact and it can affect anyone, and often leaves victims feeling isolated and alone."

Anyone suffering from domestic abuse can contact police on 101 or 999 in an emergency.

Victims can ring a 24-hour domestic and sexual violence helpline on 0808 802 1414.