Humberside Police will be supporting those in crisis over the Christmas period

Sadly, Christmas is not a happy time for everyone however, Humberside Police is on hand to offer vital support to those in crisis with specialist officers and resources in place to tackle areas of demand over the festive period.

As part of Operation Yuletide, Humberside Police is also asking you to consider the welfare of anyone who may be vulnerable, alone or suffering at this time of year and to report any unusual behaviour or issues of concern to the Police.

Around 40 per cent of calls received by Humberside Police’s Hub are related to calls for concerns of safety – from domestic abuse to mental health concerns – and over the festive period, this figure rises.

DCI Dan Patrick, Lead for Domestic Abuse at Humberside Police, explained: “For some people, Christmas can be the most feared time of the year. A combination of financial pressure, alcohol and extended time at home with the family can often fuel abusive relationships. 

“Domestic abuse can take many forms, it isn’t just about sexual or physical abuse. It also includes financial, coercive control or emotional abuse, digital or online or honour-related abuse such as forced marriage or Female Genital Mutation (FGM).

“Each year cases of domestic abuse continue to rise over the festive period.  Abuse of any form is not acceptable and it shouldn’t be tolerated.

“We want to reassure vulnerable people that we are on hand to help. Working with partner agencies, we have specialist staff available to help and support you, your friend or anyone affected to break the cycle and get away from violent and controlling partners.”   

Chief Superintendent Darren Downs, continued: “Christmas is an extremely busy time for our staff in Humberside Police’s Command Hub.

“Taking both 999 and 101 calls, staff are available 24 hours a day, to signpost and offer vital support to those in crisis or who may be vulnerable.

“Much of the demand in the Hub is connected in some way to mental health which is why we were one of the first police forces in the country to pilot a scheme with Mind, the mental health charity.

“The scheme has proved to be very successful and in October it was rolled out permanently. We now have a staff member from Mind here every evening from 4pm until 10pm to provide advice and support and this will continue throughout Christmas and New Year.”

Emma Dallimore, Mind Operations Director, said: “Christmas can be an extremely difficult time for many people. Often, they don’t know where to turn to access support or have anyone to listen to their concerns which is why they reach out to the police.   

“We’re pleased to be continuing our partnership with Humberside Police to improve the experience of those in mental health crisis and to be able to offer this support this Christmas.”

If you are in an abusive or controlling relationship or think you know someone who is then call us on 101. We will help.