Govan Law Centre (GLC) has launched its ‘Be Safer at Christmas’ campaign, as they say the festive season can lead to an increase in domestic abuse or violence against women, and as such can be an “extremely frightening and anxious time”.

The campaign is being led by the centre’s Women’s Legal Project, which solicitor Sophie Berry spearheads. It highlights some of the factors leading to a spike in incidents during this period.

These include increased time at home, alcohol or drug consumption, financial pressure, and lack of access to supports.

Wendy Malloy, project manager of Prevention of Homelessness Services at GLC, explained the importance of planning as early as possible to deal with volatile situations.

She said: “We’re aware as human beings and as professionals that incidences of domestic abuse can spike over the festive period.

“We were also aware there was a particular issue over that time, as services are often closed for Christmas and New Year, including ourselves.

“So it can be really difficult for women. We wanted to get people thinking about that. People who may have suffered it in the past or are worried about it happening this year, get them thinking about it as early as they can and have thoughts around how to plan if it happens, who to contact, what to take if they have to go, how to present as homeless, etc.

“It is really about getting in as early as we can to get someone who anticipates having that issue to know how best to react and manage that situation themselves.”

GLC’s campaign notes that during 2023/24, Police Scotland recorded 63,867 domestic abuse incidents, 81 per cent of which involved a male perpetrator and a female victim.

Over the festive period from December 2023 to January 2024, the force and Crown Office are said to have received 5,113 crime reports relating to domestic abuse.

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This is the first year that the GLC has run a specific campaign to raise awareness of domestic abuse and violence at Christmas, although it has previously highlighted themes surrounding the issue, such as debt.

Women are being issued with important advice on what to do if any situations arise.

Things to consider

  • Contact a family member or trusted friend and talk to them about the help you need. Think about establishing a phrase or code word to let them know you are in danger and need immediate help.
  • Be aware of safe use when using a mobile or laptop to search for help for domestic abuse. Clear call logs and browsing history.
  • Keep a note of local helping services, especially those that are open or accessible 24/7 and those that provide emergency help. Know your local authority’s homeless service details if you need to leave urgently and require shelter.
  • Think about what you would need to pack for yourself or any children in an emergency.

Lorna Walker, senior solicitor at GLC, stressed the importance of empowering women to feel confident enough to take those first steps.

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She commented: “The whole ethos of starting the Women’s Project was to empower women to know what their legal rights are and what options are available to them.

“Sometimes women approach us, and perhaps they’re not ready right then, but having that knowledge and even having that plan is really important.

“This campaign is empowering women, so they know that when services normally open to them are shut, they’ve got a plan of where to go.

“Christmas is a wonderful time of year, but it does have added pressures for many of us, and we’re very aware that it can impact relationships.

“We, of course, can’t force anyone to do anything; they have to be ready, and it has to be the right time for them.

“So, if they’ve got the knowledge, they know where to go, what the support can be, and what their legal rights are, that is crucial.

“It’s so important when they’re making that step that they are heard and supported then and there.

“It’s also confidential what they tell us.”

Wendy added: “Women can be really good advocates for other women. If you can inform and build the confidence of somebody to break away from a domestic abuse or violence situation, they then build a degree of strength at the end and can advocate and support other women who are experiencing the same.

“So hopefully everything we do will have a knock-on effect for women supporting women.”

GLC is able to provide details of places that will be open over the festive period, including various women’s aids.

It has also listed various helplines in its online campaign, which can be viewed HERE.