The Police Service of Northern Ireland received more than 1,400 domestic abuse calls during the two-week Christmas and New Year holiday period, according to new figures.
Northern Ireland is regarded as one of the most dangerous places in Europe for women, with 28 murdered by partners, former partners or family members during the past five years.
The PSNI has previously said that it dealt with a call about domestic abuse on average every 17 minutes in 2025.
The force made more than 5,000 arrests over the past three years under new legislation aimed at tackling violence against women and girls.
Police said the latest figures reinforce the fact that the festive season remains one of the most challenging times of the year for victims.
In a statement, the PSNI said that between 20 December 2025 and 2 January 2026, police received 1,407 domestic abuse calls, an increase on the 1,290 it recorded during the same period in 2024-2025.
The figures show that demand for police support was consistently high across the two-week period, with call volumes exceeding those across most days in the equivalent periods during 2023-2024 and 2024-2025.
The highest number of domestic abuse calls, 116, was recorded on New Year's Day, followed closely by Christmas Day with 115 calls.
The statement said that over the ten-year period from 2016-2017 to 2025-2026, the number of domestic abuse calls between 20 December and 2 January ranged from 1,253 to 1,553.
The 2025-2026 total of 1,407 calls is the fourth-highest figure during this period.
"The increase in domestic abuse calls we see over the Christmas and New Year period is sadly something that has become a consistent pattern over many years," said PSNI Detective Superintendent Kerry Brennan.
"This time of year can place additional pressures on households, including increased time spent together, financial strain, alcohol consumption and heightened emotional stress.
"For some victims, these factors can escalate controlling or abusive behaviour, while for others the extended time at home can reduce opportunities to seek help or speak to someone in confidence."
The PSNI urged friends, family members and neighbours to remain vigilant about potential abuse and to report concerns, as early intervention can help prevent further harm.
The force said that, in an emergency, call 999. If it is not an emergency, police can be contacted on 101 or online at www.psni.police.uk/report.
