West Mercia Police officers receive domestic violence awareness training

Statistics show that one in four women and one in six men will be a victim of domestic violence and abuse in their lifetime, and during the last six months more than 5,000 incidents of domestic violence and abuse were reported to West Mercia Police.

Deputy Police & Crime Commissioner for West Mercia, Barrie Sheldon, said: "Domestic violence and abuse is something that causes a lot of harm in our communities, and having police officers who are specifically trained in how to handle those cases is very important.

"I'm sure it's a very challenging area for the police - domestic violence and abuse may often lead to situations where they have to be robust in dealing with offenders, but also simultaneously extremely sensitive and understanding in helping with victims.

"Hopefully this sort of training will make them even better in dealing with perpetrators, preventing repeat cases, and helping victims to get their lives back together.

"The PCC works closely with Women's Aid - we have provided substantial funding towards the excellent work they do - and I'm very pleased that they have been able to help the police with this training."

Domestic abuse takes many forms including physical violence, bullying, threatening, belittling, constant criticism, sexual abuse and financial control. It also includes 'honour' based violence, female genital mutilation and forced marriage.

Abusive relationships frequently get worse over time and can become more physically violent as well as emotionally harmful.

Detective Superintendent Steve Eccleston, head of protecting vulnerable people at Warwickshire Police and West Mercia Police said: "Domestic violence and abuse is a traumatic and often hidden crime and it can take a great deal of courage for someone to accept that a relationship is an abusive one.

"National research indicates that fewer than one in four victims will ever tell the police about their ordeal and those who do report to the police only make contact after they have been assaulted or abused 35 times, the training from Women's Aid offered an insight into the work they do with victims and survivors on a daily basis."

To report an incident of domestic violence and abuse call West Mercia Police on 101, or in an emergency call 999. Victims of sexual abuse who prefer not to contact the police can contact the Glade Sexual Assault Referral Centre on 0808 178 2058.