Big rise in child-related home abuse

INCIDENTS of domestic abuse involving children have increased by more than 20 per cent in one police force area.

Strathclyde Police said that in December last year youngsters were involved in 1,609 domestic abuse incidents, up 21 per cent on December 2009’s total of 1,301. The force said two-thirds of domestic abuse incidents now involve children.

The figures were revealed as the force launched its latest campaign to tackle the problem, which highlights the impact of domestic abuse on children.

Chief Superintendent Bob Hamilton of Strathclyde Police said: “Sadly, during each festive period domestic abuse incidents increase. Even more shockingly, the incidents where children are involved have also increased.

“As part of this campaign we are asking victims, and families or friends of victims, to speak out – if not for you, for the children involved in these abusive situations. These children are viewing scenes that no child should ever see.”

The force is using Twitter, Facebook and YouTube in a campaign which has been welcomed by Mairead Tagg of Women’s Aid. Dr Tagg said: “Christmas is a time when children should be happy and excited, not fearful about what is happening at home.”