PC George Howat, the force's strategic domestic abuse officer, talks to the Daily Post about the problem
Shocking figures reveal the scale of domestic violence in North Wales, with more than 11,000 incidents reported to police last year.
Statistics released by North Wales Police show there have been 54,400 calls reporting domestic violence in less than five years.
PC George Howat, the force's strategic domestic abuse officer, has worked with domestic victims for more than ten years.
He says that on average 35 incidents take place before a victim goes to the police.
For victims wary about giving evidence, the officer says body worn cameras have become useful in investigating domestic abuse cases, as footage can be used as evidence in any future prosecutions.
During the festive period there is a spike in domestic abuse incidents - alcohol is often a factor but PC Howat says there are a number of other aggravating factors including mental health issues and drug abuse.
“During the Euros in the summer we were busy as we are during any sporting event, but Christmas time is the busiest,” said the officer.
“It’s an emotional time Christmas, especially when there are children in the equation.
“Parents spend Christmas together thinking it’s in the best interests of the children, but it doesn’t always end very happily.”
Before taking on his more strategic role, PC Howat used to check his phone every morning to see if there’d been any overnight domestic homicides.
“I got a call from my partner once at 6.30am, she’s also a police officer and she told me there had been a domestic homicide,” he said.
“When she told me a row of women’s faces came to my mind, whilst I waited for a name.
“It was a woman who we’d been helping, and the last time I’d spoken to her we had discussed the situation could turn into a murder.
“Obviously when something like that happens you start questioning as to whether we could have done anything more.”
Women who are in a high risk situation are advised by the police and their partners like Women’s Aid, to get an overnight bag ready, filled with any important documents they may need and perhaps with a spare phone at close hand.
PC Howat said: “We try and empower the victim if they are in a domestic violence situation.
“Many of these people are frightened to death, and suffering from low self-esteem.
“There are major complexities involved.
“One woman I remember managed to leave with her son to a refuge, but it only lasted less than 24 hours because her son was autistic and he couldn’t cope being out of his routine.
“Sometimes middle class women feel very trapped, if they have no money of their own and they have to rely on their partners for money.
“Domestic violence happens to people all walks of life, one in four women and one in six men will experience it at some point in their lives.
“And it can vary from sexual, physical, emotional, financial and psychological abuse, each case if different.”
PC Howat added: “I do this job even though it’s hard, as it’s incredibly rewarding.
“I joined the police to protect the vulnerable and this is what this job it all about.”
“I think about the people we’ve helped who have managed to take back control of their lives.
“Women should feel safe in their own homes.”
http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/new-figures-reveal-domestic-violence-12386263
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