SOUTH SOMERSET NEWS: More victims of domestic violence and sex attacks coming forward

DOMESTIC violence and serious sexual offences have risen in South Somerset over the past five years – but police have said that is a good thing because it means more victims are coming forward.

It has been reported that incidents of domestic violence have increased by 16 per cent, while sexual offences have gone up by more than 50 per cent since 2009.

Although it does not look good on paper, in reality it means more victims of domestic violence and sexual assaults are reporting the crimes carried out against them.

And Area Superintendent Geoff Wessell, of Avon and Somerset Police, said that was positive.

Supt Wessell, in relation to the 16 per cent rise in domestic violence, said: “That is healthy because it means victims are coming forward and getting out of the cycle of abuse.”

PHOTO - RIGHT: Area Superintendent Geoff Wessell.

It should be noted that domestic violence can happen to men as well as women.

The Avon and Somerset Domestic Abuse FreeFone Service is available on 0800-694-9999. The free phone service will not leave a trace on your telephone bill and can put victims with services available in their area including refuges, legal advice and other support services.

If you are a victim of domestic abuse, or know someone who is, police would prefer to speak to you on the phone by calling 101 or in person. But if contacting police online is the safest way for victims to get in touch – there is a secure online reporting form which can be found on this link: https://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/reportcrime.

The figures were announced last night (Tuesday, May 27, 2014) at the Guildhall in Chard at a public forum where Supt Wessell was a member of a police panel alongside Acting Chief Constable John Long and the Police and Crime Commissioner, Sue Mountstevens.

He told the forum that crime in South Somerset had, overall, reduced by 34 per cent in the last five years.

There had been 2,400 fewer victims during that time and 33 per cent of crimes are now being solved in the area as opposed to 26 per cent five years ago.

Incidents of anti-social behaviour have dropped by 30 per cent during that period and there are now 50 fewer incidents recorded in South Somerset as opposed to three years ago.

Burglaries have also dropped over the last five years and resulted in 400 fewer victims.

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