A RECORD number of domestic abuse offences were recorded in North Wales last year, new figures show.

Office for National Statistics figures show 14,147 domestic abuse-related crimes were recorded by North Wales Police in the year to March – up from 11,808 the year before and the highest number since 2015-16, when comparable records began.

It meant there were 20.6 domestic abuse offences per 1,000 people in the area last year.

The number of violent domestic abuse-related crimes in North Wales also reached a record high last year, rising from 9,635 to 11,472.

Nationally, 910,000 domestic abuse offences were recorded in the year to March – 7.7 per cent more than the year before – and also a record.

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The charge rate increased nationally for the first time in four years, with 73 per cent of cases considered by the CPS leading to a charge in 2021-22.

But in North Wales, 1,261 cases led to 844 charges, meaning the charge rate fell from 72 per cent in 2020-21 to 67 per cent last year.

Detective Chief Inspector Sophie Chance said: “Domestic abuse and our response to tackling it remains a priority for North Wales Police.

“As a force, we pride ourselves on having high crime data integrity and we are confident that domestic abuse reported to us is accurately reflected. In addition, high levels of reported offences can also be indicative of high levels of confidence among victims to report.

“We have also invested significantly in training. However, we recognise this is something that needs to be continued and refreshed as crime patterns and policing tactics change over time."

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She continued: “The introduction of the Domestic Abuse Risk Assessment (DARA) by the College of Policing is one such activity we are seeking to adopt.

“Locally, this month, we are also focusing on raising standards when officers first respond to calls to ensure that all evidence is captured at the earliest opportunity. This will assist us in those cases where victims are reluctant to engage with police and we have to take an evidence led approach in securing convictions."

The inspector said that in 2021, North Wales Police rolled out the DA Perpetrator programme, ADAPT, that recognises the importance of working with offenders to help change patterns of behaviour, but also, to vigorously pursue those who continue to cause harm.

She added: “We have also recently changed our approach in consulting with the Crime Prosecution Service (CPS) for domestic abuse cases so that these crimes are now prioritised. This means that offenders may attend court sooner, which we know can provide some reassurance to victims.”

Ruth Davison, CEO of Refuge, said the figures show "we are still facing an epidemic of violence against women and girls which shows no sign of stopping".

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Ms Davison said: "Survivors and women experiencing abuse cannot wait for change."

The Home Office said domestic abuse is "a devastating crime that ruins lives" and that it is fully supporting victims, survivors and their families.

A spokesperson said more than £230 million is being invested to tackle rising domestic abuse offences, with the Domestic Abuse Act further supporting victims.

Of the funding, £3.3 million has been committed to training first responders to treat every case sensitively.

If you, a family member, or a friend has experienced domestic abuse or sexual violence, you can contact the Live Fear Free Helpline 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for free advice and support or to talk through your options. Call: 0808 80 10 800, text: 0786 007 7333, email: info@livefearfreehelpline.wales, or go to gov.wales/live-fear-free