ABUSE WARNING
Xmas cash fears fuel domestic violence, say cops
POLICE at a specialist domestic violence unit are preparing for a surge in cases over Christmas as financial pressures and booze create additional problems at home.
The Domestic Abuse Investigation Unit in the Greater Glasgow Division of Police Scotland sees spikes in reports when football is on and over the festive season.
Officers deal with serious and violent domestics, as well as stalking and coercive control. Detective Inspector John Semple said: “The violence victims encounter we wouldn’t really want to discuss.
“The violence can be extreme at times, although sometimes violence is not always there. It can be more psychological; it could be stalking, and the individual is feeling the stress.”
He added: “There are spikes in incidents and that’s something we closely monitor.
“We take appropriate action when these are going to occur.
“Football is one and the festive period can also be one. There’s a lot of financial stress and alcoholrelated incidents that impact domestic violence.”
Semple said officers’ work can transform victims’ lives.
He said: “The impact that my department has is incredible in the lives of these victims.
“It can completely turn their life around for the better.”