SWINDON appears to be turning back a rising tide of domestic violence.

New figures obtained from the council ahead of a meeting to discuss domestic abuse tomorrow show the usual year-on-year rise in the number of incidents has dropped sharply.

Each year since 2007, the number of cases has crept up, reaching a high of 2,915 for 2009/10. But the lastest data for 2010/11 shows a steep fall, to 2,474 cases.

Better policing and profiling of offenders has been credited for the fall, but there is no magic solution to the problem, according to the officer in charge.

Det Sgt Jason Roberts, head of the domestic violence unit at Gablecross station, said: “What we’ve got is officers who are dealing more effectively and positively with domestic violence perpetrators, which might result in a lack of reoffending.

“But courts are being tougher with domestic violence offences, which would deter perpetrators from reoffending.

“We ensure our officers are trained effectively and know the scenes when they respond to incidents.

“We don’t just rely on what the victim says or doesn’t say. We look at the scene and their demeanour.

“That’s enough sometimes to be successful in prosecuting people with the victim’s co-operation.

“We’re working hard to reduce domestic violence as best we can and are moving in the right direction.”

Det Sgt Roberts also said a Domestic Abuse Stalking and Harassment questionnaire, given to those suspected of having been abused, could be helping. It allows police to asses just how at-risk any potential victims may be.

Since the start of July, the police have been able to use domestic violence “go orders”, temporarily banning suspects from going back to their own homes, so victims have a chance to recover.

Since the scheme began, 19 such civil orders have been sought by police, but only 16 have been granted.

If the orders are breached, it becomes a criminal offence and can be dealt with by police in a different way.

Kim Swinden set up the group Home Truths in January to support women suffering domestic abuse.

She said: “For us, we feel it’s a very hidden issue, regardless of official statistics. It’s very prevalent.

“I wouldn’t say the figures are not trustworthy. I’d say that maybe people don’t recognise their situation as domestic abuse and may not report it.

“Official figures are really important. But I think there’s another picture that’s hard to see. If people aren’t reporting it, or are unable to report it, how do you know what it looks like?”

In 2007/08, the number of incidents was 2,815. That rose to 2,862 the next year and 2,915 the year after, before dropping to 2,474 in 2010/11.

The council will be discussing domestic abuse when the Safer and Stronger Communities scrutiny committee meets at 6pm in the Civic Offices, in Euclid Street, tomorrow.