Gloucestershire: Domestic Abuse Over Christmas

20 December 2013, 16:16 | Updated: 20 December 2013, 16:17

A charity has told Heart they are expecting of rush of people trying to escape violent relationships in the New Year.

Cases of domestic violence usually go up over the festive period as families spend more time together and people drink too much. 

Sally Morrisey is the manager of Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Support Service said: ''Nationally, two women a week are killed either by their current or ex-partner and one in four women will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime. It is estimated that 31% of women and 18% of men will have experienced domestic abuse from the age of 16 and women are much more likely than men to be the victim of multiple incidents of abuse.'' 

Over the past year, GDASS has provided support to 1,879 people in Gloucestershire of which 97% were women and 3% men. Currently the charity is supporting 313 victims across Gloucestershire. 

Anyone wanting to report domestic abuse should call the National Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 2000 247 or in an emergency contact the police. 

You can also call Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Support Service for help on 0845 602 9035.