Police secure charges for almost 400 domestic abuse suspects in the West Midlands last year
Almost 400 suspects across the West Midlands were charged in connection with domestic abuse crimes in 2025.
During 2025, West Midlands Police managed to secure 390 charges for a range of domestic abuse-related offences as a result of evidence-led prosecutions. Many resulted in prison sentences while others are now facing trial.
In January 2026, police were able to charge 18 suspects with offences including causing grievous bodily harm without intent, non-fatal strangulation, assault occasion actual bodily harm and having a knife. Some of these have already been sentenced and received jail terms.
Detective Chief Inspector Laura Allen, from West Midlands Police's public protection unit, said: “We never underestimate the devastating impact of domestic abuse, both physically and mentally.
“These are crimes which can cause long lasting trauma so we want to do everything we can, alongside our partners, to best support and help those who have suffered.
“Domestic abuse is an appalling crime and we fully understand it can be too hard for some to pursue a complaint.
“However, this doesn’t diminish our determination to get justice for them, and ensure perpetrators are caught and convicted for their despicable actions.
“We have highly-skilled detectives who are able to follow various lines of enquiry to secure evidence and from there charge those responsible.
“We want to send a clear message to domestic abusers that, even if victim support is withdrawn, we will still investigate and work to bring you before the courts where you could face jail.”
A statement from West Midlands Police said: "We understand some people are reluctant to pursue complaints against a violent or abusive partner or family member due to fear.
"We always seek to work with, and support, those who have suffered at the hands of domestic abuse as we know how traumatic this can be.
"Our focus is on putting survivors first and doing what is best for the women, and men, who have been subjected to such awful crimes.
"We have already made major improvements in how we operate to support people suffering domestic abuse. This includes significant enhancements to how we handle incoming calls for service, and we now have independent domestic abuse specialists from local charities working across our 999 control rooms."
