POLICE are warning that there is no excuse for domestic violence or abusive behaviour this Christmas as a Cumbria victim speaks out about her experience.

The warning comes as part of the Cumbria Police campaign ‘Do The Right Thing’ which tells potential violent and sexual offenders to ‘Do The Right Thing’ or face the consequences of their actions.

In December 2014 there were 572 domestic violence incidents reported to the police.

One Cumbrian woman tells her story.

“As a victim of domestic abuse I understand that Christmas isn't always a time for peace contentment. It can be filled with unease, anxiety and in my case it was a time of foreboding.

“I would dread knowing my potentially violent partner would be at home more often and the children and I trod on eggshells. There's a couple of particularly awful memories, one of missing out on sprinkling reindeer dust for Rudolph as I was waiting for the police to arrive. The other when my ex-partner locked me and the children out on Christmas Eve so they couldn't open their presents.

“What always made every situation worse was alcohol. To this day the smell of red wine takes me straight back to pretending I was asleep so I couldn't annoy him and wake the children.

“I would urge anyone in an abusive relationship to keep themselves safe this Christmas. Make sure you have a safety plan for if things become dangerous. Keep an emergency bag of toiletries and clothes at a friends if necessary and keep your mobile phone charged and in credit.

“Do not be afraid to phone 999! The police want to help you and they will believe you. More importantly don't feel lonely, you really aren't alone and there are people who understand you’re suffering and are ready to help.

“If you are a perpetrator yourself please try to remember what Christmas is really about. Don't inflict upon your children the memory of daddy in a police van. One drink is not worth a lifetime of regret.”

Temporary Detective Chief Inspector Neil Cooper said: “The festive season is traditionally a time for families, but sadly we often see a rise in the number of domestic incidents as people tend to consume more alcohol and lose control. However, there is no excuse for domestic violence or abusive behaviour.

“The biggest victims of domestic abuse are often the most vulnerable. Children are the unacknowledged victims of domestic abuse, yet for them the effects can be lifelong and devastating.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to warn potential offenders to stop and think about the harm that they are doing to their loved ones. Cumbria Constabulary and our partners will take a robust stance when dealing with domestic abuse and will do everything in our power to protect the victims and the children who are all too often the witnesses to this abuse.”

The Constabulary is also encouraging people who witness domestic to ‘do the right thing’ and report it to police.

T/DCI Neil Cooper continues: “Even though we still believe domestic abuse is under-reported, every year we see more and more people having the confidence to pick up the phone and report abusive incidents.

“I hope this continues to increase, and I would like to reassure victims that all reports are dealt with sensitively and professionally.

“There are also a number of ways in which victims can get help by contacting support services such as Letgo and SafetyNet.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Richard Rhodes said: “Unfortunately, Christmas time is when there is a rise in the number of domestic violence incidents. However, this year we will have the support of some new services in the county called The Bridgeway that will be able to support people of serious sexual assault and rape. Please don’t allow these incidents to go un-reported and have the confidence to ring the 24 hour helpline on 0808 118 6432.”

Anyone who would like to report domestic abuse should call Cumbria Police on 101, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.