The combination of a holiday weekend and an Old Firm match on Sunday could lead to a “spike” in domestic abuse over the next few days, local experts are warning.
The prediction has forced Tayside Police to issue a grim Easter message to perpetrators and to encourage their victims to come forward to seek help.
”It is not the kind of Easter message that we would choose to give, but we want everyone to be absolutely clear that our officers will deal very robustly with any incidents of domestic abuse,” said Assistant Chief Constable Angela Wilson.
”Such crime can involve a range of abusive and violent behaviour, where a person exerts control over another person.
“Domestic abuse is the physical, sexual, emotional, financial or mental abuse by one person over another with whom they are in, or have been in, a relationship. They could be partners or ex-partners.
”It cuts across all social, cultural and religious boundaries and can have devastating consequences for a victim, their families and the wider community.”
In many cases alcohol is a significant factor, with people drinking over longer periods as a result of fair weather, at barbecues and house parties and around sporting events during spring and across the Easter weekend.
The pressures of just being together for extended periods can also take its toll, said Mary Miller, manager of Dundee Women’s Aid.
“We welcome efforts to encourage women to speak up and report abuse. We are always here if women need our help,” she said.
“When it is a holiday period it puts pressure on relationships because people are spending more time together, and putting that with an Old Firm match this weekend may well have a negative impact as well.”
Strathclyde Police has previously reported an increase in reports of domestic abuse following Old Firm matches but Mary pointed out, “Rangers and Celtic fans don’t just live in Strathclyde.”
On a more positive note, domestic abuse figures for February were the lowest for two years, with 126 crimes reported, following a general downward trend.
“I would hope the message is getting across that this is no longer acceptable,” said Mary. “It is certainly more talked about than it was in the past and I think services are more joined up.”