Record figures for NI incidents of domestic abuse just tip of the iceberg, warns charity
A CHARITY has said figures which reveal domestic abuse incidents in Northern Ireland have hit their highest level since records began represent just the tip of the iceberg.
Police figures released yesterday revealed that officers dealt with hundreds of reports of domestic abuse over the festive period last year.
There were more than 30,000 incidents over the past year, an increase of 2.5% on the previous 12 months.
Police said the highest number of incidents came on New Year’s Day, when 158 incidents were reported — up from 142 in 2018 and 147 in 2017.
There were 116 incidents on Christmas Day, up from 84 in 2017.
Launching their annual Christmas domestic abuse campaign, police said an incident of domestic abuse was reported every 17 minutes.
The head of PSNI’s Public Protection Branch, Detective Chief Superintendent Paula Hilman, urged anyone suffering at the hands of a partner to contact police.
CEO of Belfast and Lisburn Women’s Aid Kelly Andrews said they were encouraged to see more victims come forward to report domestic abuse and seek support — but warned that the figures recorded were only the “tip of the iceberg” and domestic abuse remains massively under-reported.
The number of incidents of domestic abuse between December 15 and January 16 has increased steadily over the past five years, with 3,114 incidents in 2018/19.
That was up from 2,704 incidents reported in 2014/15.
Women’s Aid said over the 2018 Christmas period, domestic abuse forced 83 women and 64 children to live in their refuges and more than triple that number were supported in their own homes by their Floating Support Team.
Ms Andrews said Christmas can be a “living nightmare” for many.
She said: “Northern Ireland continues to lag behind the rest of the UK in relation to coercive control and stalking legislation and as a result of no functioning assembly and the forthcoming general election, victims here are still waiting to be afforded the same protections and robust legal remedies.
“Like the rest of the year, Christmas is another time when victims walk on eggshells out of fear and hope for the holiday to pass without the eruption of violence.
“This time of year can be a living nightmare for many women and children in our community.
“At Women’s Aid, the Christmas period is a busy time. We see our refuges full to capacity and women in the community with no money to buy gas, oil, electricity and food... never mind Christmas food, toys and gifts. It’s important that victims know that there is support out there and that they are not alone.”
She added: “Adequate, ringfenced investment is needed to ensure the sustainability of these vital and life-saving services.”
Chief Superintendent Hilman said no one has to suffer in silence.
“I want to encourage all victims — regardless of age, race, gender or sexual orientation — to come forward and report what is happening to us,” she said.
“Speak out to stop it and we will help you. You do not have to suffer in silence. You can come forward to report any incident of domestic abuse to us.”
She added: “Domestic abuse is a crime and until victims are aware there is a safe environment to share their concerns, they will continue to hold on to the secret of domestic abuse.
“Domestic abuse is a terrifying and impactful crime and it is vital that victims know there is help.”
Police can be contacted on the non-emergency 101 number or 999 in an emergency.
A 24-hour domestic and sexual abuse helpline is also available on 0808 802 1414.