Wiltshire Police receive 32,000 domestic abuse reports in five year period

The figures, obtained via Freedom of Information legislation, reveal there were 32,270 domestic abuse reports from women received by officers between 2016 and 2020.

The number rose from 6,265 in 2016 to 6,775 last year.

For men, the total number for the last five years stood at 10,746, increasing from 1,880 complaints made in 2016 to 2,484 last year.

Emma Rawlings, CEO Swindon Domestic Abuse Support Service, said: “The figures are a harsh reminder of the wider effects of lockdown during 2020.

"Domestic abuse cases whilst they increased, saw the most dramatic rise from male victims. Eleven per cent more men reported abuse against them to Wiltshire Police than in 2019.

"Domestic Abuse has been at the forefront of news articles and as a domestic abuse charity supporting both male and female victims our key messages across Swindon and Wiltshire have always been that help is out there even during lockdown and that we do support men.

"Men are statistically less likely to report their abuse, but the pressure cooker situation that has been all too common in locked down households, has given rise to more calls to the police.

Emma Rawlings

"It’s reassuring to know that male victims have the confidence to come forward and seek help.”

Jacqui Orchard, business development manager at domestic abuse charity Splitz, based in Trowbridge, stressed the inclusive support offered by the service. She added: “Domestic abuse and sexual violence crosses all areas of society.”

The FOI response also revealed the number of arrests made by Wiltshire Police, in relation to domestic abuse reports.

There have been 12,699 since 2016 - 2,609 made last year.

Head of public protection Det Supt Ben Mant said that current reporting numbers were lower than expected for this time of year.

He added: “Domestic abuse doesn’t stop because we’re in lockdown, in fact we expect that victims will be suffering now more than ever. We know that restrictions make it harder for victims to seek help, so we’re asking friends and family to stand up to domestic abuse and seek help on their behalf.

"During the first lockdown last March we saw an initial drop in reports and then a steady increase but we haven’t seen that so far during this lockdown.

Arrests made overall in relation to domestic abuse reports

“Instead our current numbers are lower than we would expect for this time of year and are 10% lower than what we saw in December.”

Those with concerns are encouraged to contact police on 101 or 999 in an emergency.

Victims in Swindon can contact Swindon Domestic Abuse Service by calling 01793 610610 any time of day, and those in Wiltshire can contact Splitz on 01225 775276 weekdays and the Swindon service (01793 610610 ) during evenings and weekends.