Domestic abuse arrests 'double'

Domestic abuse arrests in Lincolnshire have more than doubled in the past year due to more "positive action" by officers, police said.

Lincolnshire Police made 1,937 arrests for domestic abuse incidents in 2008 compared with 812 for 2007 - an increase of 138%.

The number of incidents reported was up by 20% from 5,379 to 6,465.

Police attribute the rise to a new approach by officers who are encouraged to arrest if evidence is available.

A large proportion of victims suffer about 35 incidents before they come through to police and report it to authorities

Lincolnshire Police spokesman

Police said the increase is also due to new poster campaigns and better training of officers.

Det Insp Sean Baxter, of Lincolnshire Police, said: "We have had enhanced domestic abuse training for all officers across the force in the last year and increased the number of specialised domestic abuse officers in the force.

"The new domestic abuse policy at the force calls for more positive action by officers who are encouraged to make arrests if there is enough evidence.

"It encourages positive action at the scene and positive evidence gathering and takes the onus off the victim for being responsible for the instigating proceedings and puts it in the hands of the police."

The poster campaign was aimed at teenagers and male victims - who might be reluctant to come forward.

A police spokesman said: "We want people to come forward and report domestic abuse...because a large proportion of victims suffer about 35 incidents before they come through to police and report it to authorities."