Domestic abuse reports in Lincolnshire nearly double over five years

Reports of domestic abuse incidents in Lincolnshire nearly doubled over five years, according to police data.

LincsOnline submitted Freedom of Information requests to Lincolnshire Police about their responses to domestic abuse in 2018 and 2023 following an inquest into the death of Grantham mother Daniela Esprito Santo, which highlighted systemic issues in how domestic abuse cases were handled historically.

The force completed 12,560 DASH (Domestic Abuse, Stalking, and Harassment) risk assessments in 2023, up 80% from 7,011 in 2018.

Most of the increase occurred in medium and standard risk categories, while high risk cases remained stable at just over 500 each year.

Reports where the incident was flagged as Domestic Abuse rose from 6,992 in 2018 to 10,583 in 2023.

Controlling and coercive behaviour reports quadrupled, from 348 in 2018 to 1,448 in 2023.

Chief Inspector Rachael Cox, head of the Protecting Vulnerable People unit, said improved awareness and reporting contributed to the rise.

“We are now in a better position in terms of knowing the scale of domestic abuse in Lincolnshire.

“Not only are we better at understanding and recording crimes, but we have also worked extensively to raise public awareness and encourage reporting.

“All frontline staff now undertake Domestic Abuse Matters training. Since April 2022, over 1,000 members of staff have completed this programme.

“We also have over 60 Domestic Abuse Champions, who have received enhanced training and share knowledge and good practice across the force.”

Despite the rise in reports, prosecutions have declined.

Charges for incidents linked or noted to be domestic abusive relationships fell from 1,087 in 2018 to 675 in 2023.

Charges for controlling and coercive behaviour, however, tripled from 19 to 60.

The inquest in October concluded Daniela was unlawfully killed in April 2020 after her then-partner, Julio Jesus, breached bail conditions and assaulted her.

The inquest jury found 'missed opportunities' by Lincolnshire Police to safeguard Daniela and her children, noting failures to follow the College of Policing's authorised professional practice.

Officers overlooked evidence of assaults and controlling behaviour, and a critical marker indicating an urgent response was missed during a 999 call hours before her death.

Mr Jesus, initially charged with manslaughter, had his charge reduced to assault due to insufficient medical evidence linking his actions to Daniela’s death. He was sentenced to 10 months and has since been released.

In response to the inquest findings, Lincolnshire Police apologised and launched a review into the investigation.

The force acknowledged it “could have done more” and has since introduced measures, including mandatory training on domestic abuse and coercive behaviour, a revised command system, and IT upgrades to flag critical risks on police logs.

However, the family’s counsel criticised the historic lack of officer training and inadequate case handling.

Chief Inspector Cox acknowledged the challenges, citing evidence collection complexities but highlighted new strategies, including an increase in Domestic Violence Protection Orders, which allow magistrates’ courts to set protective measures and conditions for perpetrators to follow where there is insufficient evidence to charge them.

She said recent campaigns with Crimestoppers had targeted Eastern European communities to dispel myths and signpost support.

In September, the force launched its #ForHolly campaign with Holly Bramley's family.

In April, Nicholas Metson, who stabbed Holly to death and then cut her body into more than 200 pieces, was jailed for life after admitting her murder.

The initiative aimed to raise awareness of red flag behaviours, Clare’s Law—which enables people to find out a potential offender’s history of abuse—and safe spaces in pharmacies where victims can seek information and support.

On November 25, the force launched a “16 Days of Action” campaign to highlight the work that goes into tackling domestic abuse.

Officers also work regularly with Crown Prosecution Service specialists, the Specialist Domestic Abuse Court, and the Lincolnshire Domestic Abuse Partnership to protect and support victims.

“We know that despite our increased understanding and recording of domestic abuse incidents, and our efforts to raise awareness and encourage victims to come to us, there is still a degree of underreporting,” she said.

“Most importantly, our message is that there is help available regardless of whether you make a report to us.”

For help and advice:

- The National Domestic Violence Helpline is a 24hr Freephone available on 0808 2000 247, operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

- Lincolnshire Domestic Abuse Specialist Service (LDASS) offers support at 01522 510041 (9am-5pm, Mon-Fri).

- Children can report domestic abuse to trusted adults or call Childline on 0800 1111.

- Those worried about their own behaviour can call the Respect helpline on 0808 802 4040.

- In immediate danger, always call 999.