Published date:
Commenting on statistics published by the PSNI showing the Domestic Abuse Calls for Service Received by Police in Northern Ireland, Christmas and New Year Period to 2nd January 2025, Commissioner for Victims of Crime Geraldine Hanna said:
“It is truly tragic that there was, on average, 92 domestic abuse calls a day to the police over the Christmas period.
“Victims of domestic abuse often talk about how the festive period is a time of particular danger for them and this is sadly reflected in this data.
“Over the last number of years we have increasingly heard the message from government and the criminal justice system that domestic abuse is unacceptable and victims should come forward.
“The challenge now for them is to make sure their actions match those messages. Victims need properly resourced support and a criminal justice system that deals with their cases efficiently and in a trauma-informed way.
“I am pleased to see the police publishing this data. Capturing data like this is a key step in understanding and combatting domestic abuse. Publishing it helps to inform the public and provide transparency.
“Next year I would welcome the publication of some more specific demographic data including the break-down of the age of victims.”
ENDS//..