Citizens Advice has said that guidance to help people identify domestic abuse and support victims must be made more widely available to maintain welcome progress in criminal prosecutions.
The Crown Prosecution Service has revealed that a record 107,000 of people have been prosecuted for violence against women and girls offences.
Gillian Guy, chief executive of Citizens Advice, said:
“Improvements in prosecuting domestic abuse send a strong signal that victims can get justice. This should give more people the confidence to come forward and report abuse.
“The momentum that has been built in tackling domestic abuse must now be maintained. Many people are not confident recognising when someone is in an abusive relationship or taking steps to help victims. To ensure no domestic abuse is overlooked, professionals, friends and family all need to be better equipped to identify and support those suffering at the hands of abusers.”
Local Citizens Advice help around 13,000 victims of domestic violence and coercive control every year.