As part of Humberside Police’s Operation Yuletide this festive period, Humberside Police and partners are continuing their work combating domestic violence this Christmas with work on-going through the festive period.

Extra resources are made available, so that officers and support agencies can act immediately to respond to calls for service which are of a domestic violence nature throughout December into early 2015.

Police staff and officers will be available to answer calls and manage investigations swiftly and effectively, and sign post all of the relevant parties to specialist support services where applicable. Please note the services are not only free and confidential, but that they can be approached without police involvement.

Detective Inspector Craig Nicholson from the Protecting Vulnerable People Unit said: “It is vital that people contact us or one of our partner agencies if they feel they are victims of domestic abuse or domestic violence or they are questioning their behaviour towards their partner or spouse. We can offer support, and more importantly, prosecute without the victim having to go through the court process.

“Christmas is a stressful time for everyone, so we want people to realise that actions and comments which may be conceived as insignificant or someone just experiencing a ‘bad day’, could quite easily turn into something a lot more sinister, if it is left to develop over time.

“We want people to recognise that certain behaviour is just not acceptable and offenders will be brought to justice. Harming someone, either emotionally or physically, is not love. It’s abuse.”

If you, or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, please contact one of the agencies below – free, confidential and approachable without police involvement.

Hull

Hull Domestic Abuse Partnership

Confidential, practical and emotional support including one to one work and group work for domestic abuse victims/survivors.

Contact: (01482) 318759

You can also access the Hull Domestic Abuse Partnership Website at www.hulldap.co.uk

Hull Domestic Abuse Partnership Male Support Service

Confidential, practical and emotional support.

Contact: (01482) 613978

Strength to Change

For men who want to address their abusive behaviour in their relationships.

Contact: (01482) 613403

East Riding of Yorkshire

Domestic Violence and Abuse Partnership

Confidential, practical and emotional support

(01482) 396330

North East Lincolnshire and North Lincolnshire

It’s My Right

Confidential, practical and emotional support

0800 197 47 87

You can also access the It’s My Right website at www.itsmyright.co.uk/

For further advice on keeping yourself and property safe in the run up to Christmas visit our virtual advent calendar which was launched at the beginning of the month http://ow.ly/F20NG. Behind each window of the calendar you will find useful messages, images and videos that are aimed at helping to keep you safe and sound throughout the holiday season.

We will also be talking about our campaigns and operations on Twitter and Facebook so follow us @Humberbeat and look out for the hashtag #xmascrime, like our page www.facebook.com/humberbeat.