The PSNI received more than 2,600 calls for help in relation to domestic abuse over the Christmas period, new figures reveal

The PSNI received more than 2,600 calls for help in relation to domestic abuse over the Christmas period, new figures reveal.

On Christmas Day, almost 100 calls were logged, police said.

The PSNI stated it is currently dealing with more than 28,800 domestic abuse reports a year - one every 18 minutes.

Detective Chief Superintendent George Clarke, Head of the PSNI's Public Protection Branch, said that from December 15 until January 16, police received 2,656 calls for help. "This is compared to 2,738 from the same period the previous year, that is 82 fewer incidents," he explained.

"On Christmas Day we received 95 calls for help, which is an increase of just one from the previous year. Despite this being a small increase, it is one too many for the victim.

"On New Year's Day we received 139 calls compared to 175 the previous year - a decrease of 36 incidents," he continued.

Mr Clarke welcomed the slight drop in reported incidents.

"However, behind each one of the statistics is a victim who has had to endure abuse and that those victims, both male and female, of all ages, may have suffered abuse many times before calling the police or contacting other agencies for assistance," he added.

Domestic and Sexual Violence Helpline: 0808 802 1414

Belfast Telegraph