Shocking Rise in Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence in Cornwall: Calls for Community Action

New statistics reveal alarming trends and highlight the urgent need for collective action.

Cornwall is facing a troubling surge in domestic abuse and sexual violence, with new statistics revealing a 40% increase in sexual offences over the past four years. In the year leading up to May 2024, there were 1,700 sexual offences reported to police across the region, averaging more than 30 incidents each week. Alongside this, approximately 10,000 reports of domestic abuse are made annually.

Devastating Impact on Women

The impact of this violence is particularly stark among women. Since 2020, eight women in Cornwall have been killed by men who were their current or former partners, or by family members. In addition, six women who were victims of domestic abuse took their own lives, with another five deaths likely to be ruled as suicides pending inquests. Of the 22 domestic abuse-related death reviews commissioned in Cornwall during the same period, 19 involved female victims.

These figures reflect a broader national crisis, with a recent report by the National Police Chiefs’ Council and College of Policing describing violence against women and girls (VAWG) as a “national emergency” on an “epidemic scale.”

Community Responsibility

In response to these distressing statistics, the Safer Cornwall partnership is urging residents to take an active role in combating domestic abuse and sexual violence. Carol Mould, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, stressed the importance of speaking out against sexism and misogyny and reporting any instances of abuse to the authorities.

“Abuse thrives in silence and becomes normal when it goes unchecked and unnoticed,” Carol said. “This is why we are calling on everyone across our communities to stand united with us on this issue, help us raise awareness and support our ambition for change. It is all of our responsibility to report abuse and call out patriarchy, sexism and misogyny when we witness it. Please help us to end domestic abuse and sexual violence in Cornwall – this can only happen if we work together.”

Police Commitment to Support Victims

Devon & Cornwall Police are committed to tackling the issue head-on. Detective Chief Superintendent Sheon Sturland, Head of Crime and Protecting Vulnerable People, emphasised the importance of women feeling safe in their communities.

“All women deserve to feel safe in their communities, but sadly that’s not always been the case – it’s why tackling violence against women and girls is now a national policing priority,” Sheon said. He also encouraged victims to come forward, assuring them that the police would thoroughly investigate and provide as much support as possible.

Detective Superintendent Nicky Seager, who leads the force’s efforts on VAWG, domestic abuse, and sexual violence, echoed these sentiments, stating that the police are “fully committed to tackling the issue, working together with our partners to break the cycle.”

VAWG and DSAV Strategies

Cornwall’s response to this crisis is driven by two key strategies: the Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Strategy and the Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (DASV) Strategy. These strategies aim to tackle the root causes of abuse through education, awareness, and early identification and support.

Cllr Thalia Marrington, Chair of Cornwall Council’s Working Group on Violence Against Women and Girls, underscored the need for community involvement to bring about change. “Ending domestic abuse and sexual violence is everyone’s business and we must all play our part in making this a reality,” Thalia said.

The VAWG and DASV strategies focus on several key areas, including:

• Prevention and Education: Campaigns to promote better knowledge and understanding of abuse, and support healthy relationships.
• Support for Survivors: Ensuring better access to resources and help for those affected.
• Accountability: Holding those who engage in abusive behaviour to account and supporting them to change.
• Collaboration: Encouraging more cooperation between organisations to share knowledge and expertise.
• Raising Awareness: Helping people in communities to be better informed and able to spot the signs of abuse.

For those in need of support, Safer Futures provides assistance and can be reached at 0300 777 4777. Victims of rape or sexual assault can contact 0300 303 4626. In any situation where there is an immediate risk of harm, calling 999 is imperative.

More information can be found on the Safer Cornwall website here.