THE Chair of the Derry and Strabane PCSP, Cllr Martin Reilly, is urging people to be aware of the escalation in domestic violence as part of the international 16 Days of Action Campaign.
It begins today, Wednesday, November 25 (UN Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) and ends on December 10 (International Human Rights Day).
The latest PSNI figures reveal a rise in the number of reported incidents of domestic abuse locally, with Derry and Strabane recorded as the third highest out of the eleven council areas in terms of domestically motivated incidents and second highest in terms of domestically motivated crimes.
Speaking on the issue Cllr Reilly stated: “We are currently in the middle of another Covid-19 lockdown and unfortunately domestic abuse has escalated during the pandemic.
“Being confined to home is far from the safest place for victims of domestic violence.
“As a PCSP it is important that we keep the issue high on the agenda and offer support where we can to victims especially in terms of sign posting them to the right agencies.
“It is deeply concerning that the number of reported instances of domestic abuse continue to rise, especially during the current restrictions.
“This is an issue that remains high on the agenda at our PSCP meetings and only yesterday, 24th November, PCSP members received a detailed briefing from the PSNI Public Protection Unit on the key role they play in tackling domestic abuse, supporting victims and bringing offenders to justice.
“I would urge people to be aware of the signs of domestic abuse and to please encourage anyone who may be a victim to seek help before it’s too late.”
A number of local, excellent organisations offer support to victims in our Council area.
They include Foyle Women’s Aid, Men’s Action Network and La Dolce Vita all of which receive support from your PCSP.
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