Thousands of domestic abuse cases reported in Cumbria in 2019
More than 7,000 domestic abuse incidents have been recorded in Cumbria this year, new figures have revealed.
The county's police force is reminding members of the public to look out for signs that someone may be suffering this Christmas as cases tend to increase during the festive period.
The true rates of domestic abuse in the county are believed to be much higher than what is reported to the police.
A spokesperson from the force say survivors of abuse tend to avoid reporting it as they are worried they will not be treated seriously, and say they may be unaware of the level of service and support available.
DCI Dan St Quintin, Cumbria Police
The force are keen to stress domestic abuse can come in all different forms:
Controlling behaviour - where the perpetrator controls what who the victims meets, what they access on social media, who they contact, what they wear or monitor their movements.
Coercive behaviour - where the victims is forced to do thing they do not want to, or they are constantly shouted at, ridiculed, deliberately frightened, threatened or made to feel like they have to walk on eggshells all the time.
Financial abuse - where perpetrator controls the victim’s finances or restricts what money they can access for themselves or others.4.Psychological abuse - where a perpetrators destroys the confidence, outlook or mind set of the victim through various means.
Physical abuse
Police ask any victims of domestic abuse, or if you know someone who is, and there is an ongoing emergency or life is in danger, call 999.
More information about what support services are available can be found on the Cumbria Together website.