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12:25, 1/12/2024
But, for some, it is sadly a time spent of suffering and fear as figures show that domestic abuse increases at this time of the year.
Each year, domestic abuse reports rise over the festive period. This can often be due to people drinking more alcohol, pressures of spending time together, and more social occasions – which can often trigger jealousy and controlling behaviour in abusers.
Police forces and charities are issuing warnings ahead of the festive period, as the demand for services is expected to rise.
A spokesperson for Boston Women’s Aid said:
“We often see a rise in referrals leading up to and just after Christmas. This is often because Christmas comes with a lot of expectations, with families spending more time at home together, increased financial pressures – plus the alcohol that’s often involved.
“It’s a time when the children are on holiday and do not have school to escape to, and this can have a massive impact on them and put a strain on some families. It’s supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, but for many families, it can be very frightening and isolating.”
Figures show that the police receive a domestic abuse-related call every 30 seconds, yet it is estimated that less than 24% of domestic abuse crime is reported to the police. And this figure rises over the two-week Christmas period.
In 2021, the law changed which means that children affected by domestic abuse will be automatically treated as victims regardless of whether they were present during violent incidents. This means that young people get automatic access to support like mental health and safeguarding services.
Women’s charity Refuge says that domestic abuse may be prevalent if you find yourself altering your behaviour because you’re worried about how your partner might react. Domestic abuse can be both physical, mental and sexual – and all can be just as destructive.
Refuge has issued some questions – and if you find yourself answering ‘yes’ to any of the below, you might be experiencing domestic abuse.
Supporting someone experiencing domestic abuse can be difficult, and the best course of action to take can be confusing. Refuge has outlined the best way you can help.
Many kinds of domestic abuse are criminal offences and the police can arrest, caution or charge the prosecutor. Abusers can be sentenced to life imprisonment for the most severe offences.
The government introduced the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 which set out guidelines and definitions of Domestic Abuse as well as providing more support for victims.
For more information on domestic abuse, and how to report it, visit the police website.
Domestic Abuse can be classed as a criminal injury, which means victims may be entitled to compensation as a result through the CICA scheme. The team at Oakwood Solicitors can help submit a claim if you have been a victim to domestic or sexual assault.
Domestic Abuse charities are also on hand to help with support and reporting incidents. We have listed a number of charities that can help. Many charities offer support to report incidents discretely, via phone or text messages.
Sexual/domestic abuse – Oakwood Solicitors
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Meet the author
Aimee Fox joined Oakwood Solicitors in October 2023 as a Paralegal in the Criminal Injury Department. Prior to this, Aimee graduated from Leeds Beckett University with a 1:1 degree in Law with Crimino…
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