Police chief backs domestic abuse campaign

Lisburn Police Area Commander, Chief Inspector Darrin Jones, has voiced his support for a new domestic abuse advertising campaign, which has been launched by the independent charity Crimestoppers.

The campaign, supported by the Police Service of Northern Ireland and the Department of Justice, entitled ‘Behind Closed Doors’ is designed to encourage the reporting of incidents and make domestic abuse victims aware that they can take steps to stop it.

The advertising campaign will run in a number of hotspot areas across Northern Ireland including Lisburn.

Speaking about the initiative, Chief Inspector Jones said: “Although there has been a decrease in reports of domestic abuse in the Lisburn area, down from 1673 (1 October 2011-30 September 2012) to 1,517 (1 October 2012-30 September 2013), research indicates that incidents of domestic abuse rise over the festive season.

“This is a frightening crime which can affect anyone regardless of age, race, gender or sexuality.

“Very often victims are isolated.

“No one should have to endure abuse and I want to encourage all victims of domestic abuse to come forward and report the matter to the police.”