Increase in domestic violence convictions

The organisation dealt with 474 cases of violence against women from April 2009 to March 2010, with 355 out of 409 resulting in conviction.

Some 20 out of 24 rape cases and 35 of 41 sexual offences other than rape resulted in conviction.

Zafar Siddique, deputy chief crown prosecutor for the West Midlands CPS, said the figures showed how seriously the criminal justice system in the county took such crimes. He said: “Domestic violence is serious and pernicious. It ruins lives, breaks up families and has a lasting impact. It is criminal.”

Deputy chief inspector Nigel Jones of Warwickshire Police urged both women and men to report domestic violence.

He said: “Abuse can take many forms - physical, emotional, financial or sexual - and most victims will suffer many times over several years before taking the first step and talking to someone they trust.”

Call 0800 408 1552 or go online.