People in Greater Manchester urged to seek help for domestic abuse during Christmas and New Year
Support services are available for anyone who needs them this festive period
Victims of domestic abuse in Greater Manchester are being encouraged to seek support during the festive period, as charities and organisations warn that cases can rise over Christmas.
The Endeavour Project in Bolton, which provides support for people experiencing abuse, has highlighted that the risks can increase as many families come back together during this time.
Linda Charnock from the Endeavour Project said: “Risk increases at Christmas, families get back together again."
Linda added many victims often try to reconcile with their abuser with a focus on maintaining a family unit for their children: “Perpetrators are saying, let's be together for the kids, this is for the children, I'll help you financially, I will cover the cost of Christmas lunch...
"Then what you see is once alcohol is added to that, and it's fuelled, the domestic abuse is already there, and then you've got your toxic trio.
"We're in a crisis at the moment. So just to put a shout out there, if you're suffering domestic abuse through this festive period, please contact the police, please link in with services that are available.”
Residents in Greater Manchester who are concerned about their safety or the safety of someone else are urged to reach out for help from organisations like the Endeavour Project, national services, or local initiatives.