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The director of the Alarm Center fears large numbers of children who suffer poisoning and violence on Christmas Eve.
Margrethe Østerhus, Director of Alarmtelefonen, says a lot has been happening on her chat service in the last 24 hours.
– For us, mental health is the most important category. We have a lot of the traditional problems. Callers say things like, “Mom and Dad are drunk, and I sit alone in the room and open packages,” or that “I have a brother who is drunk,” says Østerhus.
Nine cases of domestic violence
On the morning of the first day of Christmas, Operations Manager Knut Dahl-Michelsen spoke of a hectic night.
Many of the assignments were on violence and intoxication in the families’ homes. Three children from Bergen, Voss and Sogn called the police to inform them that things were going wrong at home.
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Children called police about domestic violence on Christmas Eve
In total, the police responded to at least nine cases of domestic violence in and around Bergen during the afternoon and evening.
Three 40-year-old men are now in police custody due to domestic violence cases.
– It’s sad. I think it’s surprising that there were so many such cases the night before Christmas Day, Dahl-Michelsen said.
I think there are big dark numbers
At Alarmtelefonen, they have had more than 80 calls from 9 a.m. on Christmas Eve to 9 a.m. on the first day of Christmas. After 11 p.m. on Christmas Eve, there were 23 calls, Østerhus reports.
– It is at the same level as a normal day. Actually, one wishes there were fewer phones on Christmas Eve as it shouldn’t be the same need. The fact that it is at the same level means there is a great need, says Østerhus.
She believes that there are large numbers of dark people and that many children experience intoxication and family conflict on Christmas Eve.
– There is a reason why we have campaigns that children deserve a merry Christmas. “I think there are many who like the girl who chatted with us and walks into the room,” says Østerhus.
– Much pain and loss
Lasse Heimdal, general secretary of Kirkens SOS, says that callers to his helpline tell about loneliness, mental problems and relationship problems and conflicts at home.
– There is a lot of pain and loss, and it probably has something to do with the fact that Christmas is a time when you remember what you had before and who disappeared, says Heimdal.
There have been no signs of violence against children on their helpline in recent days. Their encouragement is to show warmth and consideration for one another.
– We must dare to ask: “How are you?” As a general rule, it is welcomed that someone cares, says the secretary general.
Here you can get help
Do stupid things happen at home? There are many adults who want to help both adults and children. You do not need to say your name or where you live.
The emergency telephone number for children and young people
The child welfare officer in the municipality of Bergen
- Telephone 55 36 11 80, open from 08:00 to 02:00.
Bergen Municipality’s own mental health helpline
- The phone is available every day from 08:00 to 20:00. Telephone 53 00 55 10.
Kirkens SOS
- Telephone 22 40 00 40, open 24 hours a day. You can chat here.
Mental health
- Telephone 116 123, open 24 hours. You can chat with an adult here.
Cross on the neck, Red Cross (for those under 18 years)
- Write, chat or debate here, or call 800 33 321 (Monday to Friday from 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.).
Can’t find something that suits you here?
Here you will find various helplines and websites.
