REPORTS of domestic abuse offences rose by more than half last year - with an average of more than 15 crimes reported to North Yorkshire Police every day.

Figures released on Thursday show the number of violent domestic abuse offences reported to the force in 2017/2018 rose by 41 per cent on the previous year - from 3,020 to 4,287.

The percentage of violent offences recorded by the force in 2017/2018 which were domestic abuse rose by eight per cent on the previous year - from 32 per cent to 40 per cent.

The total number of domestic abuse offences reported went up by 52 per cent - from 3,704 in 2016/2017, to 5,647 in 2017/2018 - accounting for 14 per cent of all recorded crimes in North Yorkshire.

The number of domestic abuse incidents, rather than offences, remained relatively stable, down from 6,290 in 2016/2017 to 6,270 in 2017/2018.

Detective Superintendent Allan Harder said the force had “built up excellent working relationships with our partner agencies” to support victims and their families.

He said: “Although it appears that North Yorkshire Police is performing well in this area, we are not complacent – there are still people suffering from domestic abuse and until that changes we will keep striving to protect the vulnerable and bring offenders to justice.

“We understand that statistically women are more likely to be a victim of domestic abuse, particularly sexual abuse, we also believe men are less likely to report offences and this is something which we will work on improving. We take allegations from both men and women extremely seriously and will fully investigate any offences reported to us and encourage those who have suffered domestic abuse to come forward and contact police.”

Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Julia Mulligan said North Yorkshire Police was “outperforming most forces in ensuring those who commit domestic abuse are brought to justice”, and more victims were “reporting incidents rather than suffering in silence”.

She said: “This shows the dedication and effort of North Yorkshire Police officers and staff is paying dividends, as well as the network of charities who provide invaluable support to victims.

“Despite these figures, I am still worried that many incidents of domestic abuse will be hiding in some of our more rural and isolated areas. Initial indications from national research currently underway for the National Rural Crime Network seems to prove victims in these areas are less likely to come forward, and also put up with abuse for longer.”

Mrs Mulligan said she would be working with Chief Constable Lisa Winward and IDAS (Independent Domestic Abuse Services) to ensure services were improved in rural areas.

*Anyone affected by domestic abuse can contact police on 101, or IDAS, 24 hours a day, on 03000 110 110.