Wednesday 19 February 2020
Rachel Woods MLA has commented on PSNI Christmas Domestic Abuse campaign figures released today (Wednesday 19 February).
The PSNI received received 3,036 calls for help in relation to domestic abuse incidents during the Christmas campaign period (15th December 2019 until 16th January 2020).
Rachel Woods MLA, who sits on the Justice Committee, said:
“It’s startling and saddening that PSNI received 96 reports of domestic abuse incidents on Christmas Day – when most people strive for a peaceful and happy day.
“The sad reality is that domestic violence incidents take place across Northern Ireland on every day of the year.
“It’s encouraging that people are reporting incidents to the police, but we know that many other victims are suffering in silence and abuse is going unreported.
“Domestic Abuse legislation is yet to come into effect here in Northern Ireland and so perpetrators are not subject to the same legal provisions that operate across the UK.
“Ultimately, incidents such as the murders of Giselle Marimon-Herrera and her daughter Allison show that domestic abuse can put lives at risk.”
ENDS
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