Cumbria Police made over 2,000 domestic abuse related arrests in the year to March.

Office for National Statistics figures show 2,495 domestic abuse related arrests were made by Cumbria Police – up from 2,412 the year before, the highest number since 2019.

Cumbria Police also made 39 arrests per 100 domestic abuse related offences and issued 908 child protection referrals.

Nationally, there were a record 910,000 domestic abuse offences over the same time period which is 7.7 per cent more than the year before - prompting anti-domestic violence charity Refuge to say women and girls face an "epidemic of violence which shows no sign of stopping.”

Detective Chief Inspector James Yallop is a senior officer within public protection at Cumbria Police.

He said: “The number of arrests underlines how important we take these offences and the consequences for offenders of this type of behaviour.

“But while prosecuting criminals is a key part of policing, officers also want to make sure victims get the support and help they need.

“Nobody should ever have to suffer domestic abuse and if you’re scared at home, there is help out there.

“We take reports seriously and we treat all cases with sensitivity.

“If you are suffering, please get in touch. We are here to help and support you. Even if right now you only have questions, I would urge you to contact us.”

Cumbria Police is currently carrying out a domestic abuse campaign, tying in with the Christmas period and the World Cup.

Christmas and the World Cup have previously seen a rise in the number of domestic abuse cases.

DCI Yallop added: “We want everyone to enjoy both the football and all the good things the festive season can offer.

“But the high emotions and alcohol consumption that can happen at this time of year is no excuse for abuse.”

“I’d also like to take this opportunity to appeal to potential offenders to stop and think about the harm they are doing to a family member, loved one or ex-partner.

“This type of abuse and offending will never be tolerated and they have to realise it is their responsibility and there is never an excuse.”

Anyone who is a victim of domestic abuse is urged to get in contact with the police.

READ MORE: Cumbrian actions to protect those from World Cup domestic abuse