RENFREWSHIRE Council is urging local people to seek help if they experience domestic abuse over the festive period.

Reports of domestic abuse often rise over Christmas and New Year and can be physical, mental, emotional, financial or sexual.

Anyone can be a victim of abuse, regardless of their age, gender, race, sexuality or wealth. 

Louise Moore, who works in the council's women and children's first team, said: “Most commonly, domestic abuse is perpetrated by men against women, but men can also be victims of domestic abuse and it can happen in same-sex relationships too.

"There is no ‘typical’ victim of domestic abuse, it can happen at any time in a person’s life no matter what their background, beliefs or circumstances are.

"One in five women experience domestic abuse in their lifetime.”

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Councillor Marie McGurk, convener of communities, housing and planning for Renfrewshire Council, added: “We often see an increase in domestic abuse incidents taking place over the Christmas and New Year period.

"Abusers can use the festive period to further exert control over their partner, similar to how they may use finances, alcohol, mental ill-health or blame to control them.

“With the current coronavirus restrictions in place, we expect more people to stay at home than normal and this could exacerbate domestic abuse incidents.

"It also means fewer opportunities for victims to report the abuse.

“If you are a victim of domestic abuse, if you are a woman or a man suffering from violence in your home, please reach out and get support.

"The long-term effects of abuse can be hugely damaging to victims and survivors, so I urge you to get help and support that’s available.”

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Anyone suffering from domestic abuse can get help by calling 999 in an emergency or 101 to report a crime. 

You can also call Scotland's Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage 24-hour helpline on 0800 027 1234. 

For more advice click HERE.