Victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence are being urged to seek help as Dorset Police continues efforts to offer support and tackle perpetrators.
No More Week, which began on Sunday and runs until Saturday, encourages people to come together and raise awareness around domestic abuse and sexual violence.
Dorset Police says it works with partners to tackle these issues as a priority with recent work seeing an improvement in detection rates and the number of cases resulting in a criminal justice outcome.
It adds that more high-risk domestic abuse offenders are being arrested and there has been an increase in the use of additional tools such as civil orders to protect those most at risk of domestic abuse.
Chief Superintendent Julie Howe, Force lead for domestic abuse, said: “Domestic abuse and sexual violence are among the top priorities for the Force.
“We continue to work in collaboration with our partners to ensure victims of abuse feel comfortable in reporting offences in the knowledge that they will be fully supported and treated with dignity and respect.
“We will also continue to do everything in our power to ensure offenders are held to account and all available measures are used to protect victims from further harm.
“We have worked closely with our officers and staff to ensure our focus remains on the importance of protecting victims from this type of crime as well as bringing perpetrators to justice.
“Through our work with our safeguarding partners, we are also doing our utmost to ensure support services for victims of domestic abuse and their families are available to them.
“There has also been an increased focus on tackling those who pose the highest risk of harm, with our multi-agency approach leading to the continued development of tools and practices to target high risk offenders and protect vulnerable victims.”
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick said: “Domestic abuse and sexual violence are appalling and destructive crimes, which have a horrific impact on victims.
“It is reassuring to see that improvements are being made by Dorset Police to apprehend perpetrators and protect high-risk victims, and as part of my role in scrutinising the work of the Force, I will work tirelessly to ensure this progress continues.
“Providing effective and tailored support for victims of these heinous offences is a key part of my Police and Crime Plan, and I am wholeheartedly committed to working with a range of partners and services to ensure the best possible support is available for victims in Dorset.
“Through commissioning vital services, providing funding for specialist agencies to help and support victims in Dorset and holding the Force to account, I will continue to do all in my power to ensure victims voices are heard, and that they feel confident they will be believed.”