Domestic abuse convictions on the increase
Success rates for domestic abuse offences in Derbyshire are continuing to rise.
Throughout 2025, Derbyshire Constabulary achieved a Domestic Abuse related conviction in at least 76% of cases each month, with some months of 2025 saw a conviction rate of over 80%.
Then, in the first 6-months of 2026, an average of 80% of Domestic Abuse cases resulted in a conviction at court.
The steady increase has meant Derbyshire Constabulary remains in the top 10 forces for successful Domestic Abuse convictions across England and Wales.
Officers and staff across Derbyshire have been working hard on a number of initiatives to ensure that victims feel supported and there are more opportunities to evidence incidents.
Domestic abuse specialists are now embedded in Derbyshire Constabulary’s control room, giving victims and officers access to dedicated support and advice from the very first call.
Derbyshire Constabulary also has officers specially trained in certain areas of domestic abuse, including Honour Based Abuse Champions, meaning they can approach investigations with that additional knowledge and insight to be able to signpost to the right support throughout an undoubtably difficult period.
SmartWater is also being issued in relevant cases and has recently been rolled out across the whole of Derbyshire. This liquid can’t be seen with the naked eye, but when sprayed it shows up under ultraviolet light and can stay on clothes for a number of weeks. Each bottle also has a unique identifier, meaning it can be traced back to the victim and perpetrator, providing vital evidence that the two people involved have indeed been near to each other.
Derbyshire Constabulary is also continuing to work with its partners to increase awareness of behaviour change programmes outside of court, and the process of referring suspects.
Force lead for Domestic Abuse, Detective Chief Inspector Neil Milner, said: “We’re really pleased to report that we’re continuing to see an increase in conviction rates.
“We understand how daunting it can be to report domestic abuse and face the court process, but we are working hard to ensure we can present the best possible case we can.
“Whilst there are of course challenges, we’re consistently working to find new ways to evidence what has happened, which I’m pleased to see being reflected at court.
“Importantly, we’re also keen to ensure that vital advice and support is available for you throughout the whole process, and that there are interventions available should you not wish to go to court – whether this is SmartWater, a civil order (such as a Domestic Violence Protection Order), or referring the suspect to a behaviour change programme.
“We hope this is something that gives anyone in these difficult circumstances some confidence to speak to us.”
If someone is experiencing domestic abuse, or believes someone they know is, help is available.
Police: Use the Live Chat function on Derbyshire Constabulary’s website (derbyshire.police.uk) or call 101.
In an emergency, call 999.
Derbyshire Domestic Abuse Helpline: Available 24/7, 365. Call 08000 198 668, text 07534 617 252, or use the chat function on Derbyshire Domestic Abuse Helpline – One call changes lives
For more information and advice, visit: Advice about domestic abuse | Derbyshire Constabulary
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