Domestic violence reaches peak levels in the West Midlands

The number of domestic abuse offences shot up by around 8,000 over the last year to around 33,500, continuing a pattern of year-on-year increases for every 12 months since 2012.

And July saw West Midlands Police log 3,524 offences, the highest number since records began.

The force has taken steps to address the issue by taking on more specialist staff, but senior officers admit domestic abuse remains one of its most "challenging" areas.

A report to the Police and Crime Commissioner's strategic board shows that over the last five years just 13 per cent of domestic abuse cases result in a suspect being either charged or summonsed.

In almost six out of 10 cases (58 per cent) victims refused to support police action, while in 23 per cent of cases further action was prevented by "evidential difficulties".

The report says: "The high burden of proof required in any criminal case, means that without the testimony of the victim, a conviction is not possible without significant corroboration."

It adds that to pursue a case of "coercive control" would be "challenging" without the support of the victim.

"Careful judgement needs to be applied about when we act expressly against the victim’s wishes," it continues. "This could damage their long term confidence and prevent them from calling the police when matters escalate and their life could be in danger.

"Occasionally the victim may feel so strongly about not having a suspect prosecuted, that they actively testify for the defence. This is highly likely to undermine a prosecution."

The force is striving to improve its overall outcome rate," the report adds. "Despite a resource intensive summer period where the level of recorded DA reached new record levels, the force recorded a consistent and improving volume of positive outcomes.

"As we enter a lower period of demand, the force will continue to drive performance in this area."

PCC David Jamieson said: "The level of domestic abuse recorded is at unprecedented levels, with 3,524 offences recorded in July.

"We have increased staffing levels, but this still remains a very challenging area."

'Justice system is failing victims'

“There needs to be proper punishment for these perpetrators – the CPS and Criminal Justice System are failing domestic abuse victims.”

Sam Billingham escaped from a physical and psychological abusive relationship in November 2006, after her partner hit her – splitting her lip – as she was carrying their 10-month-old daughter.

The Wolverhampton mother said that was her “wake up call” to leave the relationship.

Thirteen years on, she is now the founder of her own charity SODA (Survivors of Domestic Abuse).

Sam said: “The CPS and Criminal Justice System are letting these victims down.

"They speak out, give statements, the case goes to court, and then all the abuser gets is community service or is bailed to be allowed back home. It minimises everything. The victim thinks ‘what’s the point?’

“It takes a lot of courage to speak out and if there is no punishment then there is no deterrent. It’s got to be a proper punishment.”

She added: “There has to be more support for the victim after as well – I remember reading about the recent case of Lynn Hart in Lower Gornal.

"After what happened to her, she now has to live her life again. And that’s not just the horrific physical scars she’s left with, it’s the mental scars too, the abuse we didn’t see. It goes hand in hand.”

Lynn, aged 53, was left with extensive bruising across her face and body following the vicious beating from boyfriend of three years David Harrison, of Lower Gornal, in May this year.

He flew into a rage after returning with alcohol from a nearby shop. The thug, of Summit Place, repeatedly punched Lynn in the face before using a TV sound bar as a weapon. He was jailed for seven years after admitting wounding.

Sam added: “I was surprised to see that July had the highest number of incidents on record – October is Domestic Abuse Awareness Month because normally around November and December is when we see the most cases, due to it being Christmas and there being more alcohol around. But maybe July was due to it being summer, hot weather, evenings in beer gardens.”