POLICE CHIEF’S WARNING AS DOMESTIC ABUSE ON RISE
A COVENTRY detective says police “do not underestimate the physical and psychological torment” of domestic abuse as the true extent of the crime is revealed.
A total of 16,410 crimes flagged as involving domestic abuse were recorded by West Midlands Police between the start of the year and July 23.
Official figures showed the daily average rose as 2018 entered the summer months, increasing from 70 crimes a day in March to 88 in June and 98 in July.
And Detective Inspector Alastair Orencas, from the public protection unit at Coventry Police , said: “We don’t underestimate both the physical and psychological torment of domestic abuse which can affect men, women and children.
“This was traditionally a hidden crime, but increasing numbers of people are now contacting us with confidence that they will be listened to and that they will be believed.”
Of the 16,410 total crimes recorded as domestic abuse by West Midlands Police, 10,726 involved violence, 386 were rapes and six were attempted murders.
There have also been two murders, which were logged by police on January 26 and April 7.
The day with the highest number of domestic abuse crimes so far this year was July 1, with 137 - 101 of which involved violence.
There were 120 crimes on July 9, the day with the second highest number, 119 on July 22, and 118 on July 12.
Seven of the days with the highest number of domestic abuse crimes in 2018 came in June or July, followed by New Year’s Day - which saw 108.
The figures only show when the incident was recorded - so in many or most cases, the crime itself would have been committed the day or night before.
The data shows Sunday is by far the most common day for a crime of domestic violence to be recorded.
West Midlands Police log 95 such crimes on an average Sunday - suggesting the crimes themselves may well be taking place on a Saturday or Saturday night.
The force log an average of 84 crimes on an average Saturday, 80 on Monday, 78 on Wednesday, 76 on Thursday, 75 on Tuesday and 73 on Friday. Det Insp Orencas added: “On a daily basis I witness a body of dedicated, committed and caring police officers and staff - including partnership agencies - providing an exceptional service to people that are in absolute crisis.
“We make a real difference to people in need and those that surround them.
“Domestic abuse will not be tolerated and anyone who commits an offence against their partner, expartner or family members faces being arrested and the risk of going to jail.”