Not only will there be more one-off incidents, but people living in longstanding abusive relationships may find that the intense scrutiny to which they are subjected over a period of some days triggers more acute episodes, or an intense fear and anxiety that there may be.
A Home Office press release last week sets out that domestic violence amounts to 15% of all violent crime nationally, and 31% of all violence against women. The Home Office have just announced new measures including the use of video recording to take evidence at the scene, and intelligence-led targeting of high risk repeat offenders, which they hope will help to tackle domestic violence over this period. The Minister, Vernon Coaker, has announced a new domestic violence enforcement campaign backed by funding of £450,000.
If you are or may be at risk of violence over Christmas, please make a note that the National 24 Hour Domestic Violence Freephone Helpline can be reached on 0808 2000 247. Women’s Aid have also produced a “survivor’s handbook” which can be found here.
Suzy Ashworth