IT IS supposedly the most wonderful time of the year- but for a number of people in Dorset, it means an increase in domestic abuse or sexual violence.

Dorset Police have launched a Christmas campaign to reduce the number of these type of incidents, as 'sexually-motivated domestic abuse sadly always increases during Christmas and the New Year.'

As reported in the Echo, Dorset Police deals with a case of domestic violence every hour of the day.

Officers receive on average 700 reports of domestic abuse per month across the county and have dealt with more than 36,000 incidents of domestic violence in the last five years But at Christmas, there is a spike in the figures.

The campaign launch yesterday coincided with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls.

Globally, 35 per cent of women- one in three- experience some form of sexual violence in their lifetime.

A spokesman for Public Health England said: "Did you know that an estimated 8.5 per cent of women and 4.5 per cent of men have experienced domestic violence in the last year, in England and Wales?

"Domestic violence has serious and prolonged impacts on physical and mental health for those enduring violence, and also their children. Over 1.4 million women and 700,000 men endured violence perpetrated by a partner or ex-partner in the last year."

The aim of the Dorset Police ampaign is to raise awareness of the issues of consent and to encourage Talks yesterday were given by Police and Crime Commissioner Martyn Underhill, experienced officers, survivors of abuse, Safer Poole and Dorset Rape Crisis.

Meanwhile, £3,000 was raised to help victims at the You First Dorset the Integrated Domestic Abuse Service winter ball.

Since April last year, You First has worked with families suffering from domestic abuse affecting more than 1,000 children.

There was an auction with a bags theme to highlight the one bag a person may take to a refuge or safe house when they flee domestic violence and abuse.

Katie O’Connell, service manager at You First, said: “You First has received over 1400 referrals since April 2014 and we offer practical and emotional support for men, women and children in the community and in refuge who are experiencing domestic abuse."

A guest at the event, who wished to speak anonymously, said: "Hearing the stories from a man and woman who has experienced this hideous crime made me realise how devastating this can be not only to them but also their families.

“It was a fabulous night and I am so pleased we have been able to show our support.”

 

CONTACT details for victims of domestic abuse.

For more information on support services available throughout Dorset, visit dorsetforyou.com/dvahelp.

You First Dorset 24 hour advice line on 0800 032 5204.

Dorset Police 101 (In an emergency always dial 999) National DV Helpline (24 hour) 0808 2000247 National Men’s Advice Line (for male victims) 0808 8010327 Dorset Rape Crisis Support Centre 01202 308840 Broken Rainbow LGBT Domestic Violence Helpline: 0300 999 5428