AS the season of goodwill approaches, police are encouraging the public to report incidents of domestic violence.
The festive season tends to see an increase in domestic violence as people crack under the yuletide stress, but it is estimated only about 35 per cent of incidents are ever reported.
However, the number of incidents reported traditionally doubles around the Christmas and New Year period.
A police spokesman said: ‘Domestic abuse is largely underreported, so officers hope to see a rise in the proportion of crimes reported to them over the festive season.
‘Any rise in numbers has a positive side as it means that more victims have the courage and confidence to come forward.
‘They also aim to reduce the level of seriousness of incidents and reduce the number of repeat incidents.
‘Domestic abuse is not just about violence, it also encompasses financial, emotional, psychological and sexual abuse, or threats of it.
‘There is more pressure on families and relationships emotionally and financially.
‘This can escalate into domestic abuse.’
Anyone who is a victim of domestic abuse should report it by calling police on 631212