Police ready to tackle domestic abuse over Christmas

Police ready to tackle domestic abuse over Christmas

Police across Greater Manchester are offering extra support to both male and female victims of domestic abuse over Christmas and New Year.

Around this time, heightened family tensions, unrealistic expectations and worries about finances can, when fuelled by excessive drinking, lead to an increase in the number and severity of attacks. Victims can also feel more isolated than usual because they do not want to spoil other people's celebrations.

Throughout the festive season, more police will be available to attend incidents, and specialist domestic violence investigators will be on hand to advise officers.

In addition, police will attend households most affected by domestic abuse to reassure victims that help is available, and ensure that offenders are complying with any bail conditions or curfews.

Help is also available to support those offenders should they wish to change their behaviour.

Men and women are encouraged to use Clare's Law too, which allows them to check their partner’s police record to see if they have a history of violence. The scheme is named after Clare Wood, who was murdered by her ex-boyfriend in Salford in February 2009.

Temporary Detective Superintendent Jill Clarke of GMP’s Public Protection Division said: "We are committed to tackling domestic abuse, together with partners such as our independent domestic abuse advisers who can provide support to victims, and our specialist domestic abuse courts which can fast-track cases.

"We also have multi-agency groups who discuss domestic abuse cases to ensure that all agencies are doing as much as possible to protect victims and families. This has resulted in us reducing the repeat victimisation rate in our most serious cases.

"Through our work we will continue to help victims to either leave violent relationships, live more safely within relationships or support the prosecution of offenders."

For more information about services available to help stop domestic abuse, visit www.endthefear.co.uk or call the Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0161 636 7525.