How many reports of domestic abuse would you expect Dyfed Powys Police (DPP) to receive in the lead-up to Christmas? 100? 500? More?
Shockingly, last year just over 1,000 incidents of domestic abuse were called in or reported online in December alone.
That’s over 1,000 times that someone felt fearful enough for their own or someone else’s safety to call for help from the Police. That’s also without the incidents that go unreported.
Dyfed Powys Police are reminding people that as we approach Christmas, they will be sharing advice and guidance around domestic abuse, and how family, friends and neighbours can help by speaking out about their concerns.
If you’re living in an abusive household, DPP want you to know you’re not alone, and you can ask for help whether you’re ready to report to police or not.
What is domestic abuse?
Domestic abuse is controlling, bullying, threatening or violent behaviour. It happens between people aged 16 and over and their partners, ex-partners or family members.
There only needs to be one incident for it to be domestic abuse. However, it often happens more than once. It can happen to anyone, no matter their ethnicity, gender, sexuality or social background.
If you’re a victim of domestic abuse, these are just some of the things you might experience:
- physical abuse like pushing, slapping, kicking, choking or being hit with an object
- reckless driving which is meant to scare you
- threats of physical abuse, intimidation and stalking
- emotional abuse, like name calling, continually being put down and humiliation
- controlling behaviour like making you ask permission to do something, telling you who you can talk to and where you can go
- trapping you at home so you can’t leave
- sexual abuse, like forcing you to dress or behave in a sexual way, or holding you down during sex
- stopping you from accessing your money, not letting you work, or giving you an allowance
- digital and online domestic abuse, which you can find out more on by visiting our digital abuse page
- honour-based abuse and forced marriage
Click the link to find out more about Domestic Abuse from Dyfed Powys Police and how to report it.
theres no excuse for abuse full stop