Domestic abuse rises sharply in West Midlands

The latest Office for National Statistics data on crime in the West Midlands has been released.

The statistics are based on data from October 2020 up to the end of September 2021, and show that domestic abuse has risen sharply in the region.

The figures show that domestic abuse has seen a 37% rise after West Midlands Police recorded over 66,000 offences during the time period.

Hate crime has also increased by 30% with 2,700 more offences.

What has the force said about the figures?

Deputy Chief Constable Vanessa Jardine said: “We recognise that our biggest crime type between September 2020 to September 2021 was domestic abuse and much has been done to tackle this but our work hasn’t stopped.

“We work closely with many charities and refuges across the West Midlands who are ready, willing and able to help - there is no need to suffer alone.”

A statement from West Midlands Police, read: “We continue to invest in key initiatives to help victims of stalking and harassment report crime and officers are better equipped to deal with these reports.

“We know that these types of offences can impact on how safe people feel, and we are working to improve officers’ knowledge so they are able to earlier identify patterns of this type of behaviour. Training has also been refreshed to address safety in the home for children who are victims of abuse.”

“Protecting and supporting the people within our communities will always remain at the heart of what we do.

“In November 2021, Her Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services released their inspection report which stated that we were ‘good’ at recording crime.

“We remain committed to taking action against the rise in crime reports we receive; with safeguarding vulnerable people and catching perpetrators of domestic abuse a key focus for the force.

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