But Sussex Police officers are reassuring families at risk that they will not stop supporting families.
Detective Chief Inspector Kelly Lewis said: “We will hold perpetrators to account.”
Operation Hope, launched in Brighton and Hove in 2020, is part of the policing response to tackle domestic violence and is being expanded across Sussex to reassure families the police are here for them at Christmas.
DCI Lewis said victims and families at risk from domestic violence should know the police will always be there for them.
“Lockdown, Christmas, football matches are not reasons or excuses for abuse,” she said.
As part of Operation Hope, Sussex Police will be visiting known high-risk perpetrators of domestic abuse over the Christmas period.
DCI Lewis said: “It’s about homicide prevention. We know there is increased risk during certain points of the year or within certain families.
“We want people to know we will still be here, just because it’s Christmas we’ve not gone away.”
Perpetrators will be encouraged to examine and reconsider their own behaviour and lifestyle through the programmes available across the county.
Police officers, working with independent domestic violence advocates (IDVAs), will visit victims to assess current risk, ensure they have safety plans in place and point them towards specialist support services.
“We need to remind victims we are there,” DCI Lewis said.
The force has also rolled out a discreet video conferencing service where victims of domestic violence can contact police without raising suspicion.
“The virtual domestic abuse team is available if victims do not want to come into a police station or have the police come to their home.
“They can speak to us over a video link.
“They can respond within 48 hours, give advice and referrals and victims can send evidence through a secure platform,” DCI Lewis said.
Police added that the 48-hour delay is for victims who are looking for initial support and signposting to services.
Higher risk cases are responded to much more quickly.
“If you are a victim of domestic abuse, please report it to the police online or via 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency,” said DCI Lewis.
Anyone controlled or physically, sexually, economically or emotionally abused by a partner, ex-partner or family member was a victim of abuse and should report it on the Sussex Police website.
Support is available at Safe Space Sussex.
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