A TEAM at West Midlands Police focused on supporting domestic abuse victims have secured more than 40 convictions and charged 132 people in the last year through evidence led prosecutions.
Evidence led prosecutions are when victims are reluctant to pursue complaints against violent partners or other family members out of fear.
Officers then look at ways to get them justice through other evidence.
The Adult investigations team have supported victims through a new strategy that puts victims and their families first during some of the hardest times of their lives.
From the moment a victim is spoken to, evidence gathering is at the forefront of every officer and staff members mind to ensure opportunities are not missed to prosecute offenders.
In July, the force secured a conviction against a domestic abuser through CCTV, witness statements and body worn footage.
After hearing the case against him, the 21-year-old pleaded guilty and he was convicted of coercive control, assault, attempted wounding and driving offences.
Detective Chief Inspector Matt Underwood from the force’s Public Protection Unit, said: “Putting victims first is at the very heart of why we do this job. We do not underestimate the lasting and devastating impact domestic abuse has on victims’ lives.
“We are committed to getting victims justice even when it’s too hard for them to pursue a complaint.
“We will look at different ways to get justice for victims’ through other elements of evidence.
“I hope this sends a clear message to domestic abusers, that we will do everything we can to get justice for victims’ even if support is withdrawn, we will act on all of the evidence we have to prosecute domestic abusers.”
