Speak out about domestic abuse this Christmas

 

At Christmas time there are people who live in Cheshire who become more vulnerable due to the amount of alcohol drunk to celebrate the festive period.

Cheshire Police officers often have to deal with the ′Ugly′ side of Christmas when they are called to a domestic situation where celebrations have ended in domestic violence in the home.

In December 2010 the Ugly truth is there were nearly 450 incidents of domestic abuse over the festive period in Cheshire. Almost a third of these incidents involved alcohol.

This Christmas Cheshire Police wants those who will not be celebrating but fearing the arrival of the festivities to Speak Out. No one needs to live their life in fear of being abused in their own home. There is no excuse for anyone who chooses to drink and act in a manner that makes their family or partner dread Christmas, alcohol is not an excuse for violent behaviour.

Assistant Chief Constable Ruth Purdie said "We are urging men and women to Speak Out this Christmas and end their fear. No one should live in fear of violence in their own home. On average, two women a week in England and Wales are killed by a violent partner or ex-partner. These deaths constitute nearly 40% of all female murder victims.

"Cheshire Police take domestic abuse very seriously, if you want to get out of an abusive relationship we want you to call us we can help you break the cycle of domestic abuse. This Christmas think about your children and the impact the violence may be having on them give them a Christmas they will never forgot - one free from violence - Speak Out now call us on the new police contact number 101 or 999 if you are in immediate danger."

This Christmas don′t let alcohol ruin lives. If you want to help someone you know who is the victim of domestic abuse but don′t want to talk to the police you can now pass information to the police by filling in a form on-line at http://www.cheshire.police.uk/ or you can get in touch by calling the domestic abuse helpline on 0808 2000 247.

For more information on the impact alcohol can have on people this Christmas go to Cheshire Constabulary′s 12 days of Christmas campaign on-line and see which looks you want to avoid this Christmas.