Domestic Abuse In Cambridgeshire

25 November 2010, 10:09 | Updated: 25 November 2010, 18:26

The head of Cambridgeshire Police's domestic violence unit believes some people don't report cases because they don't want to get involved in other people's business.

Detective Inspector Chris Balmer is making the claim as it's revealed the number of domestic abuse incidents reported to Cambridgeshire Police has risen.

Between 2009-2010 there were 11,589 cases, in the 12 months before that, there were 10,764.

It's thought the real figures could actually be higher, because some cases aren't reported because people might not be as ready to give officers information on domestic violence as they are on crimes like burglary.

In Cambridgeshire, there are specialist officers who offer support and advice to victims.

The force also pledges to take all reports seriously.

DI Balmer said: "My message to victims is 'Don't suffer in silence', and I would also say to anyone: 'If you suspect it, report it'.

Your friend may be suffering abuse and something may not be quite right, but nothing will be done unless someone reports their suspicions.

We can be subtle in our inquiries and there are other agencies that can help. It may even be something as apparently minor as controlling behaviour but this can also be an offence.

Ideally we want victims to come forward and speak to us but we can also get convictions without their assistance as evidence can come from others."

Heart's Katie Burnett has been speaking to a women from Burwell who survived two years of domestic abuse, to listen to that interview click here
N.B. We have changed this women's voice to protect her identity.

Useful contact numbers:

Cambridgeshire Constabulary - 0345 456 456 4
Crimestoppers (anonymous) 0800 555111.
National Domestic Violence Hotline - 0808 2000 247