THE number of domestic violence and abuse victims in West Mercia getting help from a specialist organisation has almost trebled in 2014, following intervention from the Police and Crime Commissioner.

Bill Longmore and his deputy, Barrie Sheldon, asked the force to add to their existing work and partnerships, by forging closer ties with the National Centre for Domestic Violence – which helps women and men who suffer abuse at home, regardless of their financial situation, by getting fast and free injunctions against their partners.

Now well underway, statistics have shown a significant increase in the number of victims locally, who have now been referred to the NCDV.

Between January and October his year, a total of 115 people from the West Mercia area were referred by the police, compared with a total of 39 in all of 2013.

The figures come as the PCC joins and supports 16 days of events in the nationwide White Ribbon campaign, which aims to raise awareness and reduce cases of domestic violence and abuse. The programme of events from Tuesday (November 25) to Wednesday, December 10 in West Mercia has been part-funded by the PCC’s office with two grants this year.

Mr Longmore said he was committed to addressing domestic violence in his Police and Crime Plan

“Domestic violence is, unfortunately, something that has become all too common in our society, and it exists in every city, town and village in the country," he said. “Helping victims and reducing the problem isn’t just about ‘throwing money’ at the situation and hoping it improves though. It is completely about partnerships working together – local councils, charities, myself, the police, even down to families, friends and neighbours – because we are all fighting for the same thing, and that is to reduce the amount of harm being caused by domestic violence, and this work with the NCDV is a good example of how working together can make a real difference.”

Detective Superintendent Stephen Cullen added that he was pleased he force were able to have this much impact on referrals in the area.

Also supporting the campaign in the area, The Worcestershire Forum Against Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence launched their programme of events for The 16 Days of Action White Ribbon Campaign on Tuesday at the University of Worcester.

The Forum is asking people to make a pledge via the campaign website against domestic violence.

For more information, visit whiteribboncampaign.co.uk/worcestershire.