UK Police force launches operation to report domestic abuse over the Christmas period

Sussex Police release ‘The Visit’ as they launch Operation Ribbon, the dedicated force response to reports of domestic abuse over the Christmas and New Year period, from 8-31 December.

The video aims to raise awareness of the hidden victims of abuse, particularly children who are exposed to abusive behaviour and forms part of a wider social media campaign to support Operation Ribbon.

Detective Superintendent Fiona Macpherson said: “For some, Christmas can be a particularly tough time of the year. We do see an increase in reports of controlling behaviour and domestic abuse, perhaps due to excessive alcohol, increased family tensions and financial pressures, but there are simply no excuses. Domestic abuse can have a devastating impact on the whole family.

“We want to reassure people that together with partners, our specialist staff and officers can offer supportive measures to help them rebuild their lives.

“We are investing in training for our force, with front line responders completing the first phase of the ‘Domestic Abuse Matters’ awareness training this month. We’re also recruiting 250 volunteers from within our existing workforce to take on the role of domestic abuse ‘mentors’, to support and embed the learning, which is being put into practice for Operation Ribbon.”

Sussex Police and partners will be carrying out enhanced multi-agency domestic abuse activity for the Christmas period.

Specialist Safeguarding Investigations Unit (SIU) detectives are taking a leading role this year, in this new model for Operation Ribbon. Working closely with front line responders, they are providing dedicated expertise on investigations and safeguarding of victims.