Dyfed-Powys Police have stated that domestic abuse is a priority, in the wake of HMIC domestic abuse inspection findings.

The report by HM Inspectorate of Constabulary stated that, despite the progress made over the last decade, domestic abuse is often a ‘poor relation’ to other policing activity in some force areas.

Dyfed-Powys Police welcomed the HMIC findings, which followed an inspection of all 43 police forces in England and Wales.

Detective Chief Superintendent Simon Powell, Head of CID for Dyfed Powys Police said: “Whilst nationally, HMIC have identified that the police response to domestic abuse is not good enough, it is pleasing to see that here in Dyfed-Powys they have stated that domestic abuse is a priority for the force. They further stated that the public can have confidence that we are committed to providing a good response to victims of domestic abuse whilst taking robust action against perpetrators.

“We of course recognise that there are areas where we can improve our response in this important area of policing, and to this end, we have made positive steps to further professionalise our procedures, processes and structures whilst closely working with partner agencies, and we continue to do so.”

Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner Christopher Salmon said the message from the HMIC report was that police response is ‘not good enough’.

He said: “While the report says that people in Dyfed-Powys can have confidence in their police the overall message for British policing is a harsh one. We must do better for victims of domestic abuse."

He added: "We will look closely at this report to ensure that we find ways to improve the police response. I am already looking closely at how we can work with voluntary and community groups to improve reporting and support through domestic violence advisors."