The figures for those experiencing domestic abuse are shocking enough. Around 1.9 million people in England and Wales aged between 16 and 59 years old experienced domestic abuse in the year ending March 2017.

In the London borough of Sutton, domestic violence accounted for 38% of incidents of violence with injury in 2017. Yet the number of people experiencing domestic abuse is undoubtedly much higher. It is often a hidden crime that goes unreported. In Sutton, we want people affected by domestic abuse to feel empowered to come forward early, knowing there is safe and effective support in place. Perpetrators need to be held to account, but also supported to make lasting change.