Figures from The Police Service of Northern Ireland show that a total of 1,228 calls for help in relation to domestic abuse incidents were made over the Christmas period during their annual Operation ‘Season’s Greetings’ (20th December 2024 to 2nd January 2025).
On Christmas Day, they received 83 calls from domestic abuse victims and concerned loved ones. This is a decrease of 10% from 2023.
On Boxing Day, 102 calls from domestic abuse victims and concerned loved ones were received. This is decrease of 23% from 2023.
On New Year's Eve, the Police Service received 84 calls, a decrease of 6%.
On these key festive dates, the service made 410 arrests, a 7% increase from the same time period last year. 126 have so far resulted in a charge.
Detective Chief Superintendent Lindsay Fisher of the Police Service’s Public Protection Branch said:
“It saddens me every year, when Christmas time approaches, that the reality for so many is that it isn’t a happy, enjoyable time for their family.
“Usually we see reports of domestic abuse increase at this time of the year and although this year’s figures are substantially more than the daily average, we are seeing the numbers of reports for the festive period begin to decrease.
“This year however we have seen another increase in successful arrests for domestic abuse offences. We hope this plays some part in giving people continued confidence to recognise and report abusive behaviours to us.
“It must never be forgotten that behind each one of these numbers is a victim who, statistics suggest, has endured up to 35 incidents of abuse before coming forward to report.
“Domestic abuse, in all its forms, has no place in our society and tackling these crimes remains one of Police Service of Northern Ireland’s top priorities.”
Domestic abuse is not just physical. If your partner or loved one is being threatening, controlling, violent or abusive towards you, this is a crime. For more information on the different forms of domestic abuse tap here.
If you are suffering at the hands of an abusive partner or family member or worried about someone you love who might be, please report to the Police on 101 or in an emergency always dial 999.
If it is an emergency and you’ve dialled 999 but cannot speak then stay on the line and press 55 when prompted, then cough or tap in response to the operator’s queries. This is called the ‘silent solution’.
A 24-hour Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline is available to anyone who has concerns about domestic or sexual violence, now or in the past on 0808 802 1414.
Remember you also have the right to ask if you are worried that someone you know might have a history of domestic abuse. The Domestic Violence and Abuse Disclosure Scheme (DVADS) is operated by the police and allows enquiries to be made about partners, ex partners or someone else’s partner.
Find out more by tapping here.