Police miss quarter of domestic violence cases
Police are failing to properly prosecute cases of domestic violence, according to new research.
A study of 463 incidents of domestic violence reported to the police found that just 118 were recorded as crimes.
But the joint study by Her Majesty’s Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate and Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary said the true figure should have been 260.
The research found wide differentials on arrest rates among police forces, ranging from 13 per cent to 63 per cent.
The report said: “This study revealed that, potentially, a further 142 crimes were committed which were not recorded.
“All too often, policy and rhetoric are not matched on the ground by effective responses and solid investigative practice. The priority given to domestic violence locally was variable and depended heavily upon local initiatives and commitment.”
Solicitor-general Harriet Harman, said: “Police and the CPS have the right policies but not everyone is putting them into practice.
“That must be what happens next. We will back up their efforts to tackle this crime.”
Figures show that police receive a domestic violence call every minute of the day, and two women a week are killed by a partner or ex-partner.
