Victims of domestic abuse and their families are being urged not to suffer in silence this Christmas. Merseyside Police has joined forces with local partners to tackle the issue over the festive period.
Dedicated officers will be working throughout Christmas and New Year to give support to people experiencing or at risk of domestic violence.
Domestic abuse does not just constitute physical violence, it can also be emotional, sexual, financial or psychological abuse. It also crosses all social boundaries and affects the lives of many people, including children in an abusive household.
Detective Inspector Chris Sephton, from the Public Protection Unit, said: “Sadly, although this is supposed to be a time for festive cheer and the season of goodwill we find that domestic abuse increases over the Christmas and New Year period.
”In some cases heightened stress and family tensions, often fuelled by alcohol, contribute to an increase in violence and abuse.
“But our message is clear - domestic abuse will not be tolerated in any of its forms and we will not let abusers keep their crimes hidden behind closed doors.
”We want victims, their families, friends and neighbours to know that help and advice is available to them all year round from a range of support agencies from the point it is reported and any subsequent court process.“
Anyone wanting to report domestic abuse can do so by calling Merseyside Police, in confidence, on 0151 709 6010, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. In an emergency always call 999.
Information and a list of numbers is also available on the Merseyside Police website in the Support and Advice section.
Source: Champion Newspaper - http://www.champnews.com/html/newsstory.asp?id=8737
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