Domestic violence hot spot

Craigavon is one of six domestic violence hotspot areas across Northern Ireland being targeted in an advertising campaign over the Christmas period.
By The Newsroom
Published 2nd Jan 2014, 14:00 BST
Pacemaker Press Belfast 19-12-2012: Detective Superintendent Alan Skelton pictured at the launch of the Police Services Domestic Abuse Advertising campaign. The campaign will run in a number of areas across Northern Ireland including North, South, East and West Belfast, Foyle, Craigavon and Lisburn and will incorporate radio, billboard and facebook advertising. Picture By: Arthur AllisonPacemaker Press Belfast 19-12-2012: Detective Superintendent Alan Skelton pictured at the launch of the Police Services Domestic Abuse Advertising campaign. The campaign will run in a number of areas across Northern Ireland including North, South, East and West Belfast, Foyle, Craigavon and Lisburn and will incorporate radio, billboard and facebook advertising. Picture By: Arthur Allison
Pacemaker Press Belfast 19-12-2012: Detective Superintendent Alan Skelton pictured at the launch of the Police Services Domestic Abuse Advertising campaign. The campaign will run in a number of areas across Northern Ireland including North, South, East and West Belfast, Foyle, Craigavon and Lisburn and will incorporate radio, billboard and facebook advertising. Picture By: Arthur Allison

Incidents of domestic violence in the area rose from 1,576 in 2011-2012 to 1,982 in 2012-2013.

The campaign, entitled ‘Behind Closed Doors’, has been launched by the independent charity Crimestoppers and supported by the PSNI and the Department of Justice.

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It is designed to encourage the reporting of incidents and make domestic abuse victims aware that they can take steps to stop it.

Superintendent Alan Skelton said incidents of domestic abuse rise over the festive season.

He said: “Since October 2012 we have received 27,562 reports of domestic abuse incidents.

“This is in comparison to the previous year’s figure of 26,555.

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“This increase reflects our continued commitment to working in partnership with stakeholder organisations to increase reporting and improve our response to victims of domestic abuse.

“Despite the rise in the number of reported incidents we still believe that a large number are going unreported.

“It is a frightening crime which can affect anyone regardless of age, race, gender or sexuality.

“Very often victims are isolated. No one should have to endure abuse.”

A 24-hour domestic and sexual violence helpline is available on 0808 802 1414 or contact police on 0845 600 8000.

In an emergency, call 999.

Related topics:CraigavonNorthern IrelandPSNI