Extra £2.7m to help victims of 'hidden crime'

An additional £2.7m is being invested to tackle domestic abuse, which accounts for one in every five crimes reported to a police force.

The money is being spent as part of a new three-year strategy, which will see Gloucestershire Police and its partners adopting a more victim-centred and preventative approach.

Officers are being given stronger training to identify risk and act quickly, as well as to support "frightened" victims to report the crime, the force added.

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Nick Evans said: "We want victims to feel seen, heard and believed."

Emma Hillary, from the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) added that domestic abuse prevention is also homicide prevention.

"Domestic abuse is a really hidden crime. There are many, many victims out there that we know have not reported it," she said.

In 2023, about 9,534 domestic violence-related crimes were reported to Gloucestershire Police - the equivalent of 26 per day.

Det Supt Ian Fletcher, the force lead for domestic abuse, said the new strategy prioritises early intervention.

"It is one of our highest priorities," he said.

"We're delivering the skill set officers need to recognise risk at the earliest stage."

Specialist support services have also been commissioned to help people navigate reporting the crime and dealing with trauma.

He said he hoped the fresh approach would result in a rise of cases being reported.

"In a bizarre way, an increase in reporting is a sign that communities have confidence in us," he said.

The strategy also focuses on communities who may be underrepresented, including LGBTQ+ victims.

Councillor Paul Hodgkinson, Gloucestershire County Council's cabinet member for public health, said prevention and behaviour-change work with offenders will be strengthened.

"We want professionals getting in early, recognising warning signs and preventing escalation," he said.

He said behavioural training is aimed at ensuring perpetrators do not re-offend.

Leaders have said success will be measured through increased trust, safer reporting routes and reduced offending.

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