North East has highest reports of domestic abuse in the UK
Durham police reported 17 cases per 1,000 people
The North East reported the highest number of domestic abuse cases last year, according to new figures from the Office of National Statistics.
The region recorded a rate of 18.7 reported domestic abuse-related crimes per 1,000 population by the police in the year ending March 2020.
Durham Police reported 18,063 total number of recorded domestic abuse-related incidents from April 2019 to March 2020 across the force area.
While Northumbria Police also reported 17,282 total number of recorded domestic abuse-related incidents from April 2019 to March 2020.
All sets of data do not separate the sex of the victims, nor their age.
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Durham PCC Joy Allen told Greatest Hits Radio that they are urging victims to come forward to the police.
"What we need to have is anyone who has been a victim of crime to report it in", said the Police and Crime Commissioner.
"We are there to support victims throughout the journey. It's important that their voices are heard.
"People need to be able to walk around their communities feeling safe and secure.
"We are lobbying the Government for a change in legislation to make misogyny as a hate crime."
Read More: Tyne and Wear comes together to say ‘No’ to violence against women
Rise in reports of domestic abuse
The ONS also revealed that those domestic abuse figures have risen, with the pandemic being linked to the increase.
Data shows the police recorded 845,734 domestic abuse-related crimes in England and Wales in the year ending March 2021, a 6% annual rise.
They made 33 arrests per 100 domestic abuse-related crimes, the same as in the previous year.
Calls to domestic abuse helplines increased significantly at the height of the pandemic.
Figures revealed that there were just under 50,000 calls to the national domestic abuse hotline, run by charity Refuge, in England.
If you are facing domestic abuse and wish to speak to someone to get help, call Refuge on 0808 2000 247.
You can also contact ManKind confidentially on 01823 334 244. Alternatively, you can anonymously speak to Women's Aid through a live chat service.