A watchdog has demanded to know why police drop so many domestic abuse cases after it found victims were put at greater risk during the coronavirus pandemic. Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) said it was of “huge concern” that, on average, three-quarters of domestic abuse-related crimes are closed by police in England and Wales without charges being made.

But in the inspection of how officers responded to domestic abuse during the pandemic, forces were also praised for the efforts made to prevent the crime and protect victims.

Inspector of constabulary Zoe Billingham told reporters: “Quite frankly I am shocked that the crime closure rates are now so high and are worsening and still forces don’t have a good understanding of the reason for this.

Read the full story from Wales Online below:

Source: Rising concern over number of domestic abuse cases dropped by police