Over 6,500 domestic violence incidents took place in Cumbria last year, a new report for the police and crime commissioner reveals.
According to itv.com, the figures show that the number of abuse incidents has risen by 1.6 per cent in comparison to the previous year. Cumbria crime commissioner Richard Rhodes, who requested the report, says more needs to be done to tackle the problem.
"It was always expected that gaps and inconsistencies would be identified," he explains. "It is helpful that the report has identified 39 key recommendations that will now form part of a multi-agency action plan.
"There is some good work already in place, I wish to build on this good work and, importantly, make services across the county more joined up and consistent which is not always the case unfortunately at the moment."
The study was conducted by Hannah Bright of the Cumbria Probation Trust and she agrees that a lot of help is already being provided in the county but it's not enough. She adds that victims of sexual violence need more help in particular.
From October this year the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner will be in charge of all domestic abuse services for victims, reports newsandstar.co.uk.