Violence against women and girls focus for 2023, says West Mercia Police
Specialist officers will be recruited as part of a drive to increase domestic abuse convictions.
West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion said tackling violence against women and girls will be a priority for the police force.
This year, West Mercia Police will recruit an additional 125 police officers.
Five of the new officers will be specialists in tackling crimes against women and girls and will work in communities across Herefordshire, Worcestershire, and Shropshire.
In addition to more officers, West Mercia PCC said more work will be done to strengthen links with the Crown Prosecution Service and other partners.
There will also be a continued focus on making sure the victim’s voice is heard by establishing closer links between the force and with a range of services the PCC commissions.
PCC John Campion said: “I am fully committed to tackling violence against women and girls. Domestic abuse and sexual violence are rightly in the national consciousness following the national White Ribbon campaign and World Cup.
"I wanted to use the final holding to account meeting of 2022 to focus on the issues that matter to victims and survivors in West Mercia.
“As the voice of the public in policing, the meeting was an opportunity to support and challenge West Mercia Police to both acknowledge the positive improvements they have made but to ensure they are making the necessary steps to continue this progress.
"We must do better, and I will continue to make the resources available to put victims and survivors first.”