Domestic abuse crimes almost doubled in Cumbria over the last six years – and thousands were recorded during the first year of the coronavirus pandemic, figures show.
Nearly 850,000 such crimes were reported to police across England and Wales last year, and that is merely “the tip of the iceberg”, according to charity Women’s Aid.
Rates for many other crimes dropped during a year that included coronavirus restrictions and national lockdowns, yet domestic abuse rose by six per cent nationally.
Home Office data shows 5,788 offences were recorded by Cumbria Constabulary in 2020-21, making up 19 per cent of all offences recorded that year.
That is the equivalent of 12 for every 1,000 people in the area, the same rate as in the previous year.
But the area has seen a 95 per cent rise in domestic abuse offences since 2,969 were logged in 2015-16, when records began.
The data shows women are disproportionately more likely to experience abuse and they have accounted for more than three-quarters of those killed in domestic homicides since 2018 nationally – two women were killed in Cumbria in that time.
Farah Nazeer, chief executive of Women’s Aid, said to tackle domestic abuse, society must work together to tackle the “inherent sexism and misogyny which underpin women’s inequality and violence against them”.
She said: “Women will not report domestic abuse if they aren’t confident they will be believed and action will be taken on their behalf.
“We all have a part to play in unlearning sexism.”
The figures suggest most cases of domestic abuse will not see perpetrators charged, with just eight per cent of cases concluded nationally last year resulting in a charge or summons.
Ms Nazeer said work was needed to restore faith in policing after more than three quarters of investigations were dropped due to evidential difficulties nationally – more than half because the victim pulled out of the investigation.
The National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for domestic abuse, assistant commissioner Louisa Rolfe, said the “complex and entrenched societal problem” was a policing priority and highlighted an increased number of victims reporting abuse in recent years.
She said forces could still pursue cases to keep victims safe, even when they are reluctant to support prosecution but said arresting offenders was a temporary respite from the problem.
She called for a multi-agency approach to provide effective and sustainable support and solutions.
A Home Office spokeswoman said the Government is committed to ending violence against women and girls, and said its landmark Domestic Abuse Act would improve victim support and strengthen legislation.
She said funding had been doubled for 2021-22 to £25 million in an effort to tackle perpetrators.
Cumbria police has today launched a campaign to stop domestic violence and protect the vulnerable.
Nobody should have to suffer domestic abuse, and officers work hard around-the-clock to safeguard those at risk of abuse and to make sure those who attack them, exploit them and cause their lives to be filled with fear face the consequences.
It said statistics show that in the last year the force have been behind:
- More than 600 prosecutions of domestic violence offences.
- The issuing of nearly 70 domestic violence protection orders.
- The securing of 265 restraining orders.
While prosecuting criminals is a key part of policing, officers also want to make sure those who suffer at the hands of abusers or live in fear of what might happen to them get the support and help they need.
Detective Chief Inspector James Yallop is a senior officer within the public protection side of policing in Cumbria.
He said: “Nobody should ever have to suffer domestic abuse and if you’re scared at home, there is help out there.
“Tackling these awful crimes and safeguarding vulnerable people is a key priority for us.
“We take reports seriously and we treat all cases with sensitivity.
“If you are suffering, please get in touch. We are here to help and support you. Even if right now you only have questions, I would urge you to contact us.”
The key aims of Cumbria police’s domestic abuse campaign are to encourage people to report abuse and to highlight the work ongoing to stop it and the support services available.
DCI Yallop added: “Getting the right support can empower someone to take their next positive step forward.
“There is a whole wealth of support services available in Cumbria; everything from counselling to rehoming, in addition to many other services available nationally.
“This could be financial advice, support around substance or alcohol misuse or emotional health and wellbeing.
“As the police, we can help you access these support services. We can also support you though any court process.
“Support is also available for anyone who recognises their behaviour towards a partner or family member is inappropriate.
“It is important to understand why this may be happening so people can get the help they need.”
There are specialist programmes available through Victim Support in Cumbria that work with victims and perpetrators of domestic abuse to help put an end to the offending.
This campaign comes as people look to Christmas and the festive break.
DCI Yallop added: “Christmas wasn’t really the same for many of us last year due to the restrictions in place and most of us are looking forward to this festive period.
“But, sadly, at this time of year we often see a rise in domestic abuse.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to appeal to potential offenders to stop and think about the harm that they are doing to their loved ones.
“Even though we still believe domestic abuse is under-reported, every year people come forward and I would say to anyone – please don’t suffer in silence.”
