The number of domestic abuse crimes in St Albans last year has been revealed with over 500 reported.
After StAlbansNews made a Freedom of Information request to Hertfordshire Police, they revealed that there was a total of 582 domestic abuse crimes in St Albans between January 2020 and January 2021.
Of this figure there were 396 crimes where the victim withdrawing support prevented further action.
Detective Chief Inspector Ben Wright, who heads up the Domestic Abuse Investigation and Safeguarding Unit (DAISU) said: “We recognise that people affected by domestic abuse can often feel conflicted about police involvement. They may have unfounded fears about what might happen as a result of an investigation or be coerced and controlled by the perpetrator of the abuse.
“Even where people affected by abuse do not want to support a criminal investigation, we have been able to help protect them and their family with additional safeguarding measures, accessing refuges or obtaining protection orders against perpetrators.
“The victim of our first full Stalking Protection Order felt unable to support a prosecution but that did not stop us protecting her from her dangerous husband. In February, we obtained the order without her support, making it the first of its kind in the country.”
Christine Roach, chair of Herts Domestic Abuse Helpline (HDAH), said: “Domestic abuse agencies nationally have all reported increased numbers of victims-survivors seeking help this past year as the shadow pandemic of DAA has impacted those locked down with their abusers.
“Herts Domestic Abuse Helpline provides a confidential and anonymous FREEPHONE and email service for those who want to explore what their options may be.
“We signpost callers to a number of Herts organisations that can help them, depending on their individual circumstances. They are then empowered to take the next step.”
You can call HDAH on 08 088 088 088 between 9am-9pm Monday to Friday and 9am-4pm at weekends.
Or contact the confidential email at kim@mailpurple.org
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