No Increase in Domestic Violence Reports in Gwent During Holidays

Gwent: The local police have stated that they haven’t seen an uptick in domestic violence reports during the Christmas season. This is interesting, especially since many charities believe that domestic abuse tends to rise during the holidays.

While Christmas is often seen as a joyful time, research shows that it can also lead to more cases of domestic violence. Sarah Benson, the CEO of Women’s Aid, pointed out that December can be particularly tough for women, with many experiencing more frequent and severe abuse.

Despite these claims, Gwent Police maintain that their data doesn’t show any increase in domestic violence reports during this time. However, this doesn’t mean that domestic violence isn’t happening; it just might not be reported.

Detective Superintendent Michelle Chaplin emphasized that they typically don’t see a rise in reports during the festive period. She acknowledged that reporting such crimes can be really hard, and the actual numbers might not reflect the true situation.

Factors like financial stress, alcohol use, and the pressure to maintain a happy family image can all contribute to tensions in relationships during the holidays. This might make it even harder for victims to come forward.

Chaplin made it clear that their statistics don’t indicate a trend in Gwent, but she encouraged anyone facing domestic abuse to report it, no matter the time of year. There’s support available for those in need.

Domestic abuse can take many forms, including physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. It’s crucial to remember that while some may be celebrating, others could be in danger. Gwent Police are dedicated to supporting victims and working with partners to ensure they receive the help they need.

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, don’t hesitate to call 999. There are also various specialist services in Gwent, like Cyfannol Women’s Aid and Phoenix DAS, ready to help.