The number of domestic abuse crimes recorded by the police in England and Wales in the year ending March 2021 increased by 6% on the previous year, new figures have shown.
New data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) found the police recorded 845,734 crimes, up from 798,607 in the year ending March 2020.
It said the increase could reflect improved recording by the police and increased reporting by victims.
However, the data also shows that for the third successive year, the CPS charging rate for domestic abuse-related crimes decreased to 70% from 76%.
’It is hugely concerning to see the prevalence of domestic abuse continue to remain so high and it is clear that more needs to be done to tackle it,’ said Cllr Nesil Caliskan, chair of the LGA’s Safer and Stronger Communities Board.
’Domestic abuse is a horrendous crime, which councils cannot tackle alone. The cooperation of other public services including the police is essential if we are to work to eliminate domestic abuse.
’With demand having risen throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for comprehensive domestic abuse services, early intervention and prevention schemes and work with perpetrators to challenge their behaviour could not be more crucial.’
