One in five crimes in Wiltshire involve domestic abuse
Stats released to mark White Ribbon Day
Last updated 25th Nov 2021
Domestic abuse accounts for one in five crimes recorded by Wiltshire Police according to figures released today by the Office of National Statistics.
The statistics cover the 12 months from the first introduction of lockdown restrictions to March 2021.
In a year where victims were trapped at home with their abusers the Force recorded a total of 14,237 domestic abuse-related incidents and crimes
This is equivalent to 20 incidents and crimes for every 1,000 people who live in the county and a 9% increase on the previous year which saw 13,082 incidents and crimes.
Police and Crime Commissioner, Philip Wilkinson is worried it's just the tip of the iceberg:
“Whilst these statistics highlight the prevalence of domestic abuse in our county, I’m still not convinced they are a true reflection of how horrifying the situation really is.
“It is difficult enough for victims and survivors of domestic abuse to report, but this was compounded by the various lockdown restrictions meaning there will have been many more victims suffering in silence."
Mr Wilkinson says he's focusing on ensuring there is specialist support for victims particularly has demand for help has risen significantly.
Call to the National Domestic Abuse Helpline for example have increased by 22%.
Earlier this year, Wiltshire's OPCC secured additional funding for seven additional Independent Domestic Violence Advisors to support victims.
Swindon Domestic Abuse Support Service, and Splitz Support Service, both commissioned by the OPCC, will benefit from these additional posts and provide specialist support to all victims of domestic abuse.
White Ribbon Day
The stats have been released as part of White Ribbon Day - a national day of awareness about male violence against women.
Wiltshire Police will be taking part in 16 days of action to help tackle domestic abuse in all its forms, against both men and women.
The campaign is supported by Wiltshire Council, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, local authorities, charities and healthcare providers.
Detective Inspector Helen Clarke from Wiltshire Police said:
“This year’s White Ribbon Day reflects our collective commitment, as a police force, as a society, to prevent violence against women and girls.
“We fully support this campaign as well as the following 16 days of action which focuses on all aspects of domestic abuse against anyone who is a victim of this crime.
“We will not stop after the 16 days of action either and will continue our work to tackle the perpetrators of violence towards women and men.
“With the help of our partners across the criminal justice system we are committed to making long-lasting change to the daily lives of anyone who faces coercion, and mental and physical violence from a partner. Whoever they are.”
Over the next 16 days Wiltshire Police will working with schools to promote healthy relationship messages to young people, encouraging people to look out for the potential signs of domestic abuse of colleagues they work with and highlighting the experiences of victims of domestic abuse.
Figures from 16 Days of Action show 25% of women and 16% of men are affected by domestic violence in their adult lifetimes. A further 75% of people who endure domestic violence are targeted at work and 68% of abused women miss at least three days of work a month.
What to do if you're worried about domestic abuse:
- Anyone with concerns about domestic abuse shout contact police on 101 or 999 in an emergency
- People in Wiltshire contact the Splitz Support Service on 01225 775276 (9am -5pm Monday – Friday)
- Outside of these hours pleas call SWA’s 24 hr help line on 01793 610 610 24
- Those in Swindon can contact Swindon Domestic Abuse Support Service by calling 01793 610610