MORE abusive men are being prosecuted for attacking women and children in Avon and Somerset – but it’s still just the tip of the iceberg, a domestic violence charity boss claims.

There was a 7.8% rise in the number of abusers sent to court in the force area in the year up to April, with 2,085 brought to justice, according to a Crown Prosecution report.

Cases included in the category include rape and sexual assault, domestic abuse, so-called ‘honour-based’ violence and child abuse.

Tackling domestic abuse and sexual violence is a priority for Avon and Somerset Police, who work with a number of partner agencies and charities to support victims and bring offenders to justice.

Assistant Chief Constable Louisa Rolfe said: “We understand that for victims of these crimes speaking out about their experiences may be difficult, so we are encouraged by these figures as more and more people have the confidence to come forward.

“We all have a responsibility to tackle these issues and I would encourage anyone who suspects someone may be experiencing violence or abuse to report their concerns, either to the police or a specialist support service, including Crimestoppers, where reports can be made anonymously.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens said domestic abuse if “an inexcusable form of cruelty and will not be tolerated”.

She added: “No-one has the right to abuse another person either physically or mentally.

“Raising awareness of this monstrous crime will hopefully continue to give victims the confidence to come forward and seek justice.”

Sandra Horley, chief executive of Refuge, a national domestic violence charity, welcomed the “progress” being made, but said many cases never reach the police or courts because some victims are too afraid to come forward.

She added: “Those women who are brave enough to report their experiences to the police are often disbelieved, ignored and denied protection.”

She referred to a damning Government report last year concluding that the police response nationally is “not good enough”, leaving women and children an “unnecessary risk”.

She said the fact that the volume of domestic violence referrals from the police has risen is a positive sign, but added that victims are often let down by the CPS and that the court process is “long, stressful and can be re-traumatising”.

She wants the Government to hold a public inquiry into the response of police and all state agencies to victims of domestic violence.

 

REPORTING AND WHERE TO GO FOR HELP.

*Call police on 101.

*Use the secure online reporting form at www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/report *Call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555111.

*In an emergency always call 999.

*Useful websites if you or someone you know is experiencing violence - www.turntothebridge.org.uk; www.sarsas.org.uk; the-green-house.org.uk; lighthousevictimcare.org; www.thisisnotanexcuse.org