A women’s refuge hopes domestic violence will be highlighted as Hertfordshire Constabulary launches a review of victims’ services.

In the year 2013 to 2014, 8,792 domestic abuse incidents were recorded in Hertfordshire, but police say it is widely accepted that this type of crime is significantly under reported and many victims do not come forward.

A comprehensive review of services and support for victims of domestic abuse in Hertfordshire, funded by the county’s police and crime commissioner David Lloyd, is now being launched to help raise awareness and encourage more victims to come forward.

Mr Lloyd said: “I have made clear that tackling domestic abuse is one of my biggest priorities. It is one of the few crimes where I welcome an increase in the figures because it means that more victims are feeling able to come forward.

“Too many victims suffer in silence and if we can pinpoint what they need to enable them to report the abuse to police, or a third party, we can look at ways to implement that support and provide a structure for Hertfordshire in which victims feel confident about coming forward.”

A report in March on all police forces’ handling of domestic abuse graded Hertfordshire as ‘good’ but found improvements were needed to ensure victims’ needs were met.

The review will help to shape improvements being made to Hertfordshire Constabulary’s handling of domestic abuse cases, as well as examine the other agencies and charities involved.

Manager Liz Perry, of St Albans and Hertsmere Women’s Refuge, said the review came as welcome news: “What we hope is that any review will promote joined up thinking within the county and give better support for women and children who are fleeing domestic violence.

“Any report into domestic abuse raises awareness into this issue faced by victims.”

The County Community Safety Unit has commissioned an experienced research company to carry out the review and research, with Commissioner Lloyd using £50,000 from his victims’ commissioning budget to pay for the vital work.

Hertfordshire County Councillor Richard Thake, responsible for community safety, said: “I expect this study to be the catalyst for a step change in how domestic abuse is dealt with in Hertfordshire.

“As a result we will better understand victims’ needs and what provisions there are for them in the county across public, private and charitable sectors. In short, we will be in a better position than ever before to support and protect victims of domestic abuse and to shape our services around them.”