A RECORD number of domestic abuse offences were recorded in Dorset last year, new figures show.

Office for National Statistics figures show 9,477 domestic abuse-related crimes were recorded by Dorset Police in the year to March up from 9,159 the year before and the highest number since 2015-16, when comparable records began.

It meant there were 12.2 domestic abuse offences per 1,000 people in the area last year.

The number of violent domestic abuse-related crimes in Dorset also reached a record high last year, rising from 7,263 to 7,432.

Detective Superintendent Stewart Dipple, of Dorset Police, said: "Dorset Police has previously seen a rise in domestic abuse incidents, which is in line with an increase in domestic-related incidents nationally.

"As part of our commitment to protect the most vulnerable members of our society and provide an outstanding service to them, we have worked to improve our crime recording and increase confidence in reporting.

"This has resulted in an increased flagging of incidents as domestic abuse crimes, as well as increased confidence of victims to come forward and report matters to police or partner agencies.

"Dorset Police has embarked on an ongoing programme of improvements to both victim support and perpetrator management, which includes working effectively with the criminal Justice system to ensure that victims are safeguarded in every reported incident of domestic abuse.

"Dorset Police has increased focus on the perpetrator, adopting force wide training and a network of Domestic Abuse Champions that focus officers on understanding, recognising, and investigating domestic abuse offences, as well as safeguarding victims at the earliest opportunity.

"Even where there is insufficient evidence to secure a criminal conviction, there are also safeguarding measures and support mechanisms we can put in place to support victims.

"Dorset Police continues to work to improve its service to victims of domestic abuse and to address perpetrator behaviour.

"We would encourage anyone who is affected by domestic abuse in any form to have the confidence to report it either to the police or, if that is not the best route in the first instance for victims, through one of our partner agencies who can support them.

"Anyone who is affected by domestic abuse can get support from Dorset Police by calling 101 or using our online reporting tools: www.dorset.police.uk/do-it-online/. In an emergency, always call 999.

"You can find information about other places to get support on the Dorset Police website: www.dorset.police.uk/da."

Nationally, 910,000 domestic abuse offences were recorded in the year to March 7.7 per cent more than the year before and also a record.

Despite the rise in offences, the number of arrests and crimes referred to the Crown Prosecution Service has fallen across the country.

Ruth Davison, CEO of Refuge, said the figures show "we are still facing an epidemic of violence against women and girls which shows no sign of stopping.

"Survivors and women experiencing abuse cannot wait for change."