Member Article

North Yorkshire Police record 28% increase in domestic related crime

The number of recorded cases of domestic related crime in North Yorkshire has increased by 28.8% in three years, according to research by Redcar-based solicitor, Cygnet Law.

A Freedom of Information request found that between January 2015 and December 2017, the number of incidents is up by 971, from 3,370 to 4,341.

The data, supplied by North Yorkshire Police, also found male against female domestic violence rose 6.4% from 904 in 2015 to 962 in 2017. Male on male incidents increased 19.6% - from 127 to 152 - over the same period.

It also revealed that female against male domestic violence rose 6.9%, from 115 in 2015 to 123 in 2017. Female on female incidents increased 27%, from 70 to 89.

Across the county, the total number of domestic related crimes increased every year between 2015 and 2017, with a 9.7% increase in reported incidents between 2015 and 2016 and a further 17.4% rise between 2016 and 2017.

In each of the three years, the number of male initiated incidents of domestic violence against females was almost eight times higher than female to male incidents.

Stacey Phoenix, a solicitor at Cygnet Law, said: “I know personally from helping many survivors of domestic abuse, both female and male, how difficult it is to take that first step and report both physical and psychological abuse.

“Recently, there has been a greater willingness to talk about what was once almost a taboo issue - when many victims were unwilling to speak out due to embarrassment, financial dependence, fears over victim blaming and social pressure.”

“However, things are changing and I believe the rise in reported incidents in North Yorkshire reflects a growing confidence and realisation by survivors of domestic abuse that they no longer have to suffer in silence.”

Stacey added: “It is worth noting that, although domestic violence has increased in all categories, male on female reports are still significantly higher than any other group. Cygnet Law is proud to offer support to victims of domestic violence both through our legal work and through our continuing relationship with EVA Women’s Aid.”

The Freedom of Information request was sourced from North Yorkshire Police, and covered the period from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2017.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Andrew Douglas .