It is claimed domestic incidents are linked to the credit crunch An increase in domestic violence in certain parts of Northern Ireland may be due to the credit crunch, according to an assembly member. Ulster Unionist Basil McCrea said places that had shown the biggest rises in domestic-related crime had suffered most from the economic downturn. Magherafelt, Foyle, Strabane and the Limavady areas showed a 14% increase. Assistant Chief Constable Duncan McCausland said tackling domestic abuse was "a policing priority". Speaking after the Policing Board discussed the issue with senior officers on Wednesday, he said a large number of domestic incidents in Northern Ireland still go unreported. "We have 60 specially-trained domestic violence officers. We want to see those responsible for such crime brought to justice," he said. The Policing Board will next month publish a report on the PSNI's approach to tackling domestic abuse and how it meets human rights responsibilities in this area. 'Anecdotal evidence' Mr McCrea said there was anecdotal evidence to suggest a rise in domestic violence is linked to increased use of alcohol in the home. "What's happening is that people can't afford to go out as much," he said. "So they buy alcohol, they stay at home, drink at home and that leads to arguments and some things develop into more serious issues. "There is no doubt that irresponsible drinking is at the heart of many of our problems." Mr McCrea said other factors also came into play. "It may be that people have more confidence in policing and that is why they are reporting more crimes, but certainly we are hearing evidence that there is a problem with regard to the economic downturn." Figures showed a 14% increase in domestic incidents in the Foyle, Strabane, Limavady and Magherafelt districts between April to November 2008 and the same period in 2007.



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