WATCH - Domestic abuse incidents in NI at all time high

by Q Radio News

The PSNI has launched its new summer domestic abuse campaign featuring hard-hitting animation. 

It's after new statistics revealed, police officers respond to an incident of domestic abuse every 17 minutes. 

From the 1st April 2018 to 31st March 2019, there were 31,682 domestic abuse incidents recorded by PSNI.

This is an increase of 5.9% (1,769 incidents) from the previous year, making the figures the highest of any 12-month period since PSNI started recording data in 2004/05.

The new video campaign, which is funded by the Department of Justice, will run across all of the PSNI's social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Detective Superintendent McNally said: “If someone watching this video is a victim of domestic abuse, I hope it will help give them the courage to pick up the phone and tell us what they are going through.

"I also hope it will help raise awareness about how to recognise domestic abuse, and where to access support and help.

“Very often people who are being abused don’t know where to turn, but I want to encourage all victims - regardless of age, race, gender or sexual orientation - to come forward and report the matter to us. Speak out to stop it and we will help you.”

.@PoliceServiceNI say more than 30,000 domestic abuse incidents were reported to police in the past year, marking the highest figure since they started recording figures in 2004/05. A new, hard-hitting animation was launched today trying to encourage more people to report crimes. pic.twitter.com/4I9fjV6NbS

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) 4 July 2019

 Detective Superintendent McNally said: “These are stark statistics, and we must never forget behind each statistic is a victim with a harrowing story of abuse.”

“While our figures show more victims have found the strength to pick up the phone and make a report, we should never forget the often long lasting and sometimes devastating impact of abuse.

"I want to take this opportunity to reassure anyone who is a victim of abuse, you are not alone.

“Help is out there in many forms, and every step of the way, so please come forward and report what is happening to us. Please, remember, we are here to listen and to work with our partners to protect and help you.”

 Anthony Harbinson, Safer Communities Director,  Department of Justice said: “The Department of Justice, which is committed to tackling domestic and sexual violence and abuse through its cross-departmental strategy, is pleased to support this important initiative.  

"We hope this video will help raise public awareness of the often hidden nature of domestic abuse within our community and encourage people to come forward to seek help. 

"The PSNI video will complement messages portrayed in the Department’s “See the Signs” campaign launched last year.

"The aim of this campaign is to raise awareness of the issue of domestic violence and abuse and to signpost people to the Domestic Violence and Abuse Disclosure Scheme, and will run until March 2020.”

To view the video please click on the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vj31gMwlduA&feature=youtu.be