Domestic violence arrests during coronavirus lockdown reach 100 a day in London

Reports of domestic abuse sent to UK police forces by Crimestoppers have surged by nearly 50 per cent during the coronavirus lockdown
PA

An average of 100 people a day are being arrested for domestic violence offences during the coronavirus lockdown in London, Scotland Yard has revealed.

Charges and cautions have increased by 24 per cent since March 9 – when people with Covid-19 symptoms were asked to self-isolate – compared to last year, Met Police Commander Sue Williams said.

Domestic incidents, which can include family rows not recorded as crimes, have seen a three per cent increase since last year, and jumped by nine per cent between March 9 and April 19.

This is despite offences in general being up by just two per cent over the outbreak period.

There have been two domestic-related murders recorded in London as police continue to warn of an increased risk of abuse during the coronavirus lockdown.

“We are seeing a rise, there’s no doubt about that, and we welcome that because we will take positive action against any perpetrators,” Ms Williams said.

“We are arresting about 100 people a day for domestic offences, which I think is pretty amazing, even given all the challenges we have in London.”

Ms Williams said police officers were finding it “much easier” to arrest suspects, who are either at home during lockdown or with family members or friends.

“If you’re a domestic abuse suspect, we want them charged, cautioned or bailed,” she said.

“Our charges and our cautions are up 24 per cent on last year, and that’s in the Covid-19 period.

“So, we are charging more people. It will be a mixture of charges and cautions, but mainly charges because we don’t like cautioning and the CPS don’t like cautioning people for domestic abuse.

“So, they have definitely gone up. If we have to bail someone, we bail them with conditions.”

Ms Williams told reporters success stories included a pregnant woman in east London who called police for help.

Officers used body-worn cameras to record the allegation and the alleged offender has been remanded in custody after the CPS launched a victimless prosecution, she said.

She added: “The main thing we are seeing is what we call domestic incidents, it could be the parties themselves in the household, family, friends phoning us and telling us they’re hearing noise, arguments taking place.

“They are the majority of the incidents we’re hearing.

“Of course, there are violent offences, it has gone up a little bit but not massively. We have had two domestic-related murders in London during this period.”

Last week, Crimestoppers reported almost a 50 per cent surge in reports of domestic abuse sent to UK police forces during lockdown.

The charity sent 120 domestic abuse reports to forces in the week beginning April 6.

It is urging people to come forward if they think a friend, family member, colleague or neighbour is a victim.

Anyone with concerns or information is asked to contact the charity’s UK contact centre anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.

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