Convictions for violence against women rise by 15,000 over four years in UK

London, July 23 (ANI): Prosecutions and convictions for violence-related crimes against women and girls have risen by 15,000 over four years in the UK.

According to the BBC, the figures are revealed by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), which covers England and Wales.

The Director of Public Prosecutions, Keir Starmer, said that the rise was due to better training and a greater understanding of victims.

"Four years on with an increase in both prosecutions and convictions", Starmer said, adding: "I don't want to over claim this".

Most victims of domestic violence suffer in silence, Starmer said a woman would on average be assaulted 30 times before she sought help.

In a speech he highlighted the progress, he believes, the CPS has made when it comes to violent crime against women and girls.

The DPP said that last year in England and Wales there were 91,000 prosecutions and 52,000 convictions.

The CPS launched its Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy in 2008.

It focused on a number of issues, including domestic violence, rape, forced marriage and female genital mutilation.

He highlighted better training and use of specialist prosecutors, adding that "we have really tried to address myths and stereotypes which have bedevilled the criminal justice system for years. We have confronted them head on."

The CPS has 3,000 prosecutors specially trained in dealing with domestic violence cases and 800 trained rape specialists. (ANI)