The number of domestic abuse-related crimes recorded in Avon and Somerset has risen, with new figures showing an increase from the previous year.

Home Office data reveals that Avon and Somerset Constabulary recorded 22,993 domestic abuse-related crimes in the year to March 2024, up from 20,614 in the previous year—a rise of over 11%.

The increase comes as new Domestic Abuse Protection Notices (DAPNs) and Domestic Abuse Protection Orders (DAPOs) are set to be trialled across parts of England and Wales. These measures aim to provide more robust and flexible protections for victims.

Jess Phillips, minister for safeguarding and violence against women and girls, described the estimated number of domestic abuse victims as "appalling" and "frightening." She emphasised the need for urgent action: "By bringing together the strongest elements of existing orders into a flexible, time-unlimited measure, we'll ensure more victims receive the robust protection they deserve."

The new orders, which include exclusion zones and mandatory behaviour change programmes for abusers, will carry penalties of up to five years in prison for breaches. Friends and family of victims will also be able to apply for these orders on their behalf, extending protections to those who may struggle to advocate for themselves.

While the number of domestic abuse-related crimes recorded nationally fell from 911,248 to 851,062 last year, the Office for National Statistics estimates that 2.3 million adults aged 16 and over experienced domestic abuse in the past year.

Women's Aid has highlighted concerns about inconsistencies in how domestic abuse crimes are recorded across police forces, calling for greater accuracy to measure progress in addressing violence against women and girls.

Sarika Seshadi, head of research and evaluation at Women's Aid, warned that "urgent action" is still needed. She said: "With over one in four women experiencing domestic abuse in their lifetime, and at least one woman being killed by her current or former male partner every week, the scale of this issue remains devastating."

The figures also reveal that Avon and Somerset Constabulary recorded nine domestic homicides between March 2021 and March 2023, part of a national total of 353 during the same period. Women accounted for 65% of the victims, with 231 lives lost.

The new DAPNs and DAPOs will be piloted in areas including Greater Manchester, London, Cleveland, and North Wales in early 2025 before a national rollout. These orders aim to strengthen existing protections by addressing all forms of domestic abuse, without the 28-day time restriction attached to some current measures.

For victims in Avon and Somerset, the rise in recorded crimes serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by those experiencing domestic abuse. With new tools on the horizon, campaigners and officials hope to see a stronger and more consistent response to tackling this pervasive issue.