IT should be the most wonderful time of year, filled with gifts, love and laughter, but for some Christmas cheer is darkened by horrific abuse at the hands of those closest to them – their partner.

And as the big day draws closer a special investigation unit is reminding residents it’s everyone’s job to look after victims this festive period as they encourage members of the public to come forward if they suspect someone they know is being abused.

The Domestic Abuse Investigation Unit (DAIU), run by Detective Inspector Ogilvie Ross, covers Helensburgh and all of West Dunbartonshire, and is specially trained in how to deal with crimes of mental, verbal and physical abuse. It works with an array of partners to ensure they receive the necessary support as they make the courageous decision to alert the police.

But with the average victim suffering 35 incidents of abuse before involving the authorities, they need the help of residents across the town to ensure everyone has a merry Christmas.

DI Ross said: “It’s about making everyone have a part to play. There’s no harm in reporting it, it needs to be reported. If it’s nothing, it’s nothing, but it’s better to be sure.”

Detective Constable Michelle O’Neill added: “Don’t be afraid of phoning the police, don’t think you’re wasting our time – you’re definitely not.”

From Scottish Women’s Aid to Rape Crisis Scotland, the DAIU will be keeping in close contact with their partners across the country to ease the worries of the brave victims who come forward this Christmas, whether it to be concerns over housing, finances or childcare, and the team are there every step of the way.

With Christmas parties and festivities in full swing, it’s a concern for all police officers that increased alcohol consumption leads to a surge in criminal activity, and it’s no different for the DAIU.

“We certainly notice an increase if alcohol is involved,” said DC Chris Stewart.

DI Ross added: “It’s a happy time of year but it’s an emotive time of year. You can’t rule it out but we will be proactive to try and stop abuse before it begins.

“There’s never a good time to experience domestic abuse and it probably would be harder to deal with over Christmas, but our main priority is, first and foremost, supporting victims.

“It’s about the victims being able to see that they are supported and that their life isn’t going to end if they come forward. We can help them rebuild their lives.”

The first step to rebuilding their lives, the DAIU says, is realising that they are a victim of domestic abuse, even if they are not a victim of violence.

DC O’Neill said: “People will say ‘I wasn’t hit, it wasn’t violent’ but when we look at the bigger picture it’s clear it’s an abusive situation. A lot of the time you’re making the victim aware they are a victim.”

More than 58,000 domestic abuse incidents have been reported to police throughout the country from 2015 to 2016 and figures revealed Clydebank has the highest number of incidents in West Dunbartonshire.

There is no time limit for victims to come forward and the skilled team develop cases for weeks, months or even years, which can see perpetrators punished for abuse which occurred decades before.

DS Lesley Irons said: “We get a positive outcome with a lot of them. The letters we get in from victims, it’s like a change in their life.

“That’s the most important aspect for us, you see the impact it has.”

DI Ross added: “In the 24 years I’ve had in the job it’s the most challenging role I’ve had but it’s the most rewarding role I’ve had.”

Anyone who believes they or someone they know could be a victim can find contact details for all the DAIU’s partner organisations and information on how to report the incidents on the Police Scotland website – it includes a ‘click away’ feature to automatically transfer the user to another page if the perpetrator was to enter the room. For more, visit scotland.police.uk/keep-safe/advice-for-victims-of-crime/domestic-abuse/