Police across Wigan Borough are offering extra support to both male and female victims of domestic abuse over the Christmas period.
During Christmas and New Year, heightened family tensions, unrealistic expectations and worries about finances can, when fuelled by excessive drinking, lead to an increase in the number and severity of attacks. Victims can also feel more isolated than usual because they do not want to spoil other people's celebrations.
Throughout the festive season, more police officers will be available to attend incidents, and a specialist domestic violence investigator will be on hand to provide advice and support to officers.
In addition, police will attend those households in Wigan most affected by domestic abuse, to reassure victims that help is there should they want it. They will also ensure any bail conditions or curfews are being complied with, and provide information leaflets on support for offenders should they wish to change their behaviour.
Detective Inspector Amber Plumbley of Wigan's Public Protection Investigation Unit said: "We are totally committed to tackling the problem of domestic abuse. There are now four full-time independent domestic abuse advisers to provide support to victims, as well as a specialist domestic abuse court which can fast-track cases.
"We also have a committed multi-agency group who discuss domestic abuse cases to ensure that all agencies are doing as much as possible to protect victims and families. This has resulted in us massively reducing the repeat victimisation rate in our most serious cases.
"Through our work we will continue to help victims to either leave violent relationships, live more safely within relationships or support the prosecution of offenders."
For more information about the services available to help stop domestic abuse, visit www.endthefear.co.uk or call the Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0161 636 7525.
Those responsible for abuse can also get help by contacting the Respect Phoneline on 0845 122 8609
Key National Statistics:
· A victim can suffer from 35 attacks before the abuse is reported to the police
· In the UK on average 2 women per week are killed by a current or former male partner
· Domestic abuse accounts for 15 per cent of all violent incidents
· 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men will be a victim of domestic abuse in their lifetime with women at greater risk of repeat victimisation and serious injury
· 89 per cent of those suffering 4 or more incidents are women
· One incident of domestic violence is reported to the police every minute
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