WEST Mercia Police have bucked the national trend by charging more people with domestic violence than many other police forces across the country.
New figures obtained by law firm Simpson Miller found that in the first half of 2016 West Mercia had charged 223 more offenders with domestic violence than over the same period last year.
In total West Mercia charged 1,815 people over the six month period, up from 1,592, while Warwickshire Police also bucked the trend, charging 68 people more, up from 647 to 715.
However nationally the figures show that over the same period 2,588 fewer people were charged with domestic violence offences.
Overall, more than half of participating police forces saw a fall in domestic violence charges.
Emma Pearmaine, director of Family Services at Simpson Millar said: “For women aged 15-44, domestic violence is the single greatest cause of injury and illness and we need to make sure the law is being applied so that they can live without fear and harassment.”
West Midlands Police saw a 567 fewer people being charge, down from 2,960 to 2,393, a 19 per cent decline, while Hampshire Police saw charges fall 42 per cent from 992 to 574.
Detective Inspector Lesley Williams from West Mercia Police said: “We take domestic abuse seriously and the increase in charged offenders reinforces our commitment to bringing them to justice. Domestic abuse will not be tolerated and we would urge anyone who is a victim to speak out. It’s important to break the silence and talk to someone – friend, family, GP, colleague or neighbour, as many abusers rely on silence to continue the abuse.
“Please report it, if you are experiencing domestic abuse, or are worried about a friend or family member, always dial 999 in an emergency.”
