MORE than 25,000 people across Notts are victims of domestic abuse each year – and police say more still needs to be done to support them.
With about 40 per cent of all violent crime in the county being domestic abuse-related, the issue has been pushed firmly to the top of the force's agenda.
But police chiefs say their support services still have room for improvement.
A conference between officers, voluntary agencies and council services on Tuesday aimed to find the best way forward.
Police and crime commissioner Paddy Tipping said: "It's pretty clear that the reporting of domestic abuse is going up, and we welcome that.
"But we hope we can give people a better service.
"One of the themes coming from today's discussions is that we're providing reasonable services for survivors of domestic abuse – but could we do more? I think we can.
"One of the issues is how to fund it.
"We're not getting any extra money, so we've got to find ways of prioritising the money."
Typically, domestic abuse is under-reported – despite 25,000 survivors coming forward, police believe that accounts for just 20 per cent of victims.
Mr Tipping added: "I think in the past, women have felt there's nowhere to go and that there wasn't a decent service.
"We want to do better and make sure we use our existing money to the best effect."
One of the issues discussed at Tuesday's meeting was helping young people recognise the signs of domestic abuse.
Deputy police and crime commissioner Chris Cutland said: "We've already picked up that perhaps we're not doing enough around young men and young women.
"The definition of domestic abuse has changed and now involves people aged 16 to 18.
"We're finding that even earlier than that, some people are involved in unhealthy and controlling relationships.
"People are saying more work needs to be done to address this emerging pattern.
"We will look into working with young women, especially in schools, to help them understand what is a healthy relationship."
Domestic abuse can affect people across all areas of society – and is present in every community in Nottingham.
But police will not give up the fight in tackling a crime which can have such far-reaching repercussions.
Superintendent Helen Chamberlain, head of public protection at Nottinghamshire Police, added: "Domestic abuse includes elements of coercion and control, not just violence.
"It can also include abuse between family members – not just intimate partners.
"We hope going forward that we invest in the right approach in tackling early intervention and prevention.
"It's important victims know there is help out there.
"Some people don't want to go down the criminal route, but there are still other support services out there.
"There's a Women's Aid helpline and GPs can refer people to other services.
"We obviously want to deal with the offending, but it is up to the victim to choose where they go for help."
