MORE than 3,000 arrests were made for domestic abuse-related crimes in Hampshire during the first coronavirus lockdown, new figures reveal.

With a fifth of all crime nationally during lockdown involving domestic abuse, Refuge said the problem is the “biggest social issue” facing women and girls today.

Figures from Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services show Hampshire Constabulary made 3,316 arrests for domestic abuse-related crimes between April and June, when the toughest national Covid-19 restrictions were imposed.

There were also 201 voluntary attendances at police stations, where a suspect agrees to meet officers at a station as an alternative to being arrested.

Separate figures from the Office for National Statistics suggest domestic abuse crimes were already rising in Hampshire before the pandemic struck.

In the year to March, 15% of all crimes in the area were linked to domestic abuse (24,203) – an increase on the 14% the year before.

Refuge said there was a general increase in demand for domestic abuse services at this time, and it continues to see peaks in demand three weeks into the second lockdown.

Lisa King, director of communications and external relations at the charity, said: “It is important to remember that behind all of these statistics are real woman and their experiences.

“These numbers refer to instances of physical violence, rape, sexual assault, emotional and psychological abuse, coercive control, FGM, forced marriage and other forms of gender-based violence.

“Domestic abuse is biggest social issue facing women and girls today, and these statistics show it simply isn’t going away.”

There were 56,945 child protection referrals over this time – with 896 in Hampshire.

Barnardo’s said families were facing new financial and emotional pressures during the pandemic so while “deeply sad”, the figures are not a shock.

Chief Executive Javed Khan said: “Children are the hidden victims of domestic abuse, not just bystanders. Lockdowns have left too many children trapped in unsafe homes, and missing out on vital support.”

Safeguarding Minister Victoria Atkins said the Government’s Domestic Abuse Bill, currently awaiting its second reading in the House of Lords, will strengthen protections for victims and also ensure perpetrators feel the full force of the law.

She added: “We are acutely aware that for some people home is not a safe place and that the pandemic put those people in greater danger.”