Rise in number of arrests for domestic abuse in West Berkshire

THE number of arrests for domestic abuse in West Berkshire has risen in the past year, despite the number of calls decreasing.

But this could be down to a lack of opportunity for victims of domestic violence to contact the police.

Data presented at West Berkshire Council’s overview and scrutiny management commission meeting on April 20 showed there were 683 domestic related offences in 2020/21, with 392 arrests – an arrest rate of 57 per cent.

This compares to 744 domestic related offences in 2019/20, with 329 arrests – an arrest rate of 44 per cent.

The number of ‘positive outcomes’ – the police term used for a charge after an offence – has also risen by 33 per cent from 149 to 198, despite the number of domestic related offences decreasing by 61.

Superintendent Zahid Aziz, area commander for West Berkshire, said: “This year we’ve seen a reduction in the number of domestic incidents reported, but an increase in the number of arrests we’ve made.

“That’s quite important because what we know from evidence is that if arrests are made then the likelihood is the victims are better supported and we tend to get a better outcome in terms of investigation and prosecution.”

The local picture bucks the national trend, where the number of domestic abuse-related calls have increased during the pandemic.

Lee Dillon (Lib Dem, Thatcham North East) queried whether the decrease in reporting was down to a lack of opportunity, with victims unable to get out of their property due to coronavirus restrictions.

Mr Aziz said he couldn’t be sure how much of an impact the pandemic had had on the numbers within the district.

He said: “It’s recognised that when people are within the home, sometimes they are unable to report it, so there’s a barrier around their ability to escape the space in order to get access to the help they need.

“I’m not sure, I can’t give you a definitive answer whether the numbers are indicative of this.

“When I looked at the numbers, I did query whether they were accurate, but that is an accurate reflection of where we are in West Berkshire.

“Some of our local police areas have had increases in their numbers, so I’m fairly confident that the numbers we have are a true reflection of our recording process.

“But I accept your point that there may be occasions where somebody is within a domestic environment and in normal circumstances they would have the freedom to leave their home, and those opportunities are perhaps less so now, but I can’t be certain.”

Council leader Lynne Doherty (Con, Speen) said she agreed that the numbers didn’t necessarily reflect the situation in West Berkshire.

She said: “Domestic abuse is a really complicated reporting system.

“It takes 35 instances before someone takes that first step.

“I don’t think the stats necessarily reflect that there’s less domestic abuse.

“It’ll be interesting to see what happens, what kind of pent up demand there is.

“I don’t know at this point.

“What’s important is that we’re able to respond to it when it happens.”