Domestic abuse warning as referrals rise after festive period

Exclusive: Data shows 10 per cent rise in referrals in January 2022 when compared with December 2021

Concerns have been raised the cost of living crisis is placing domestic abuse victims at grave risk this festive season, as new figures show domestic abuse referrals rise in January.

Exclusive data from the National Centre for Domestic Violence (NCDV), shared with The Independent, showed a 10 per cent rise in the number of referrals in January 2022, compared with December 2021, an increase on the six per cent rise from the year before.

Mark Groves, chief executive of the NCDV, which provides free emergency injunctions for abuse survivors, explained their referrals come from police, social services, domestic abuse helplines, refuges, medical professionals, charities as well as a small number of law firms and victims seeking help.