The Christmas and New Year period is often seen as a time of celebration and togetherness. However, for many individuals and families in Northern Ireland, it is a period marked by distress and conflict. The latest management information released by the PSNI’s Statistics Branch highlights the continuing issue of domestic abuse during the festive season. These statistics, covering the two weeks from December 20th, 2024, to January 2nd, 2025, reveal worrying patterns and trends that require urgent attention.
- 1,288 Domestic Abuse Calls Received: Over the two-week period, PSNI received 1,288 calls for service related to domestic abuse. While this represents a slight decrease from the 1,336 calls received during the same period in 2023-2024, the numbers remain alarmingly high.
- Peak Days for Calls: The highest volume of calls was recorded on January 1st, 2025, with 127 incidents reported. December 27th and 26th followed closely, with 109 and 102 calls, respectively. These dates reflect the emotional and financial pressures often associated with the festive season.
- Comparison with Previous Years: The daily average of calls during this period was 92. This figure is slightly lower than the averages for the combined years 2020-2024 and 2015-2019, both of which stood at 98. However, it is notably higher than the monthly average for December (84) and the yearly average (80) over the last decade.
It is important to note that this data is derived from PSNI’s Command and Control System, capturing all calls coded as potential domestic abuse. As management information, it has not undergone the rigorous quality assurance processes applied to official statistics.
The patterns reflected in these figures are not new. Over the last ten years, the holiday season has consistently seen a spike in domestic abuse reports. This trend aligns with broader societal pressures during this time, including heightened financial strain, increased alcohol consumption, and strained family dynamics.
Michelle Crilly Family Law emphasises the critical need for robust support systems and accessible legal resources to assist those affected by domestic abuse. The persistent high volume of calls serves as a stark reminder of the work still needed to address this issue. Victims must know that help is available and that they are not alone.
For those experiencing domestic abuse, reaching out can be the first step toward safety and support. Whether through legal advice, protection orders, or connections to community resources, there are avenues to begin the journey toward healing.
Domestic abuse is a pervasive issue that demands collective attention, particularly during periods of increased vulnerability such as the festive season. As these statistics reveal, many individuals and families face harrowing circumstances during what should be a joyful time. Michelle Crilly Family Law remains committed to supporting victims of domestic abuse and advocating for systemic change to address this deeply rooted societal challenge.
Michelle Crilly Family Law is dedicated to supporting families through every stage of the legal process. With extensive experience in divorce and custody matters, our team offers personalised legal solutions tailored to your specific needs.