This time of year can be particularly difficult for victims of domestic abuse. Although taking those first steps in reporting abuse can be daunting, Merseyside Police say there is support available during the festive period and measures are in place to support victims of this crime.
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00:00 Christmas is a time for joy, but sadly this isn't the case for everyone.
00:07 Across the UK, police forces often see a spike in domestic abuse cases.
00:12 I mean this is the most intimate type of offence. It's within that intimate environment, that home,
00:18 where you're supposed to feel safe with the person that should care about you more than anyone.
00:23 During the festive period, an increase in alcohol consumption and financial pressures within families
00:28 can lead to physical abuse within relationships.
00:31 It can also be a catalyst for psychological abuse with coercive or controlling behaviour,
00:36 creating fear in relationships and homes.
00:39 It's difficult for people to sometimes understand or acknowledge that they are in an abusive relationship
00:47 because they don't want to believe that that person would harm them in that way
00:51 and it's difficult for them then to see a way out.
00:55 Mayside Police don't want anyone to suffer in silence.
00:58 They want to reassure victims that, together with their partners,
01:02 they are still here to support them throughout the festive period and beyond.
01:07 So Op Shepard is a response to a number of different crime types over the Christmas period.
01:13 Domestic abuse is one of the key pillars around that.
01:16 So we have got additional resources in the night-time economy within the city
01:21 and generally on duty to respond to those incidents when they're reported, when they're occurring.
01:26 We've got additional investigators on duty to respond to those incidents,
01:31 to support the victims, to deal with the perpetrators,
01:34 to look at achieving a positive outcome within the shortest period of time,
01:38 to safeguard the victims and to make sure that they get all the support that they need.
01:43 The additional measures will ensure victims are fully supported if they choose to go ahead
01:48 and make a formal complaint to police or access advice from domestic abuse charities.
01:54 We have our external partners that we link in with.
01:57 We have those independent advocates who can fully support victims,
02:02 giving them practical advice on that emotional support they may need.
02:06 And there are a number of services throughout Merseyside where people can get that support,
02:11 they can get that help, they can get the practical advice that gives them the strength
02:16 to be able to address what's happening to them
02:19 and empower them to take their own decisions back into their own hands.
02:26 Domestic abuse affects the lives of many people from all different backgrounds,
02:31 regardless of gender, age, race or religion.
02:35 And I would say to anyone, if you've got a friend or a family member, a colleague,
02:40 who you speak to or you see signs that they may be suffering some form of domestic abuse,
02:47 I would say report on their behalf.
02:50 Be that support for them, report what's happening to them,
02:55 because they may not have the strength to do that,
02:57 and that may be the only time that they actually are able to get that help.