WEST Midlands Police said it was called to ‘a staggering’ 1,250 domestic abuse cases over Christmas.
Between Christmas Eve and December 29, the force made 191 arrests, which it said accounted for almost 30 per cent of the force’s total arrests.
Reacting to the figures, a senior officer stressed there was no need for abuse survivors to stay in dangerous situations, despite lockdown.
Superintendent Jenny Skyrme, from the force’s Public Protection Unit, said: “The Prime Minister has stressed that leaving home to escape domestic abuse is not a breach of coronavirus restrictions and we do not want anyone to feel isolated or trapped in their own home.
“We have not reduced our response to victims during this pandemic and we, along with many other agencies, are encouraging anyone who needs help to escape an abusive relationship to contact us.”
If anyone does not feel comfortable contacting police there are many other agencies who can offer support and advice. Visit No Excuse for Abuse for more information.
In recent months a new scheme has been developed by the Home Office – “Ask for ANI” (Action Needed Immediately) enables victims of domestic abuse to access immediate help from the police or other support services, from the safety of their local pharmacy.
