Rape and domestic abuse victims urged to report crimes

Wiltshire police are calling for more victims of domestic abuse and rape to report crimes.

Figures show that one incident of domestic abuse is reported to police every minute across England and Wales.

But a Wiltshire force spokesman said it was thought a number of cases in the county did not get reported, making it harder to tackle the problem.

Det Sgt Jackie Barstow said victims may be put off due to misconceptions about how they would be dealt with.

Det Sgt Barstow, who is Wiltshire's rape and serious sexual offence co-ordinator, said: "We have obviously reviewed our processes over the years, we have specially trained officers to deal with victims, and we also work closely with our partner agencies to help support people through that process.

"We would encourage all victims of rape and sexual assault to come to the police and report it to us or to a trusted friend, GP, the hospital services or the sexual assault referral centre in Swindon which covers anybody in Wiltshire as well."