Domestic abuse is on the rise in Denbighshire.

A report before councillors on the performance scrutiny committee said the number of repeat offenders ranged from 20 to 28.

The report said: “Domestic abuse is a community safety issue that has negative implications not just in its direct impact on victims, but also affected children, often triggering issues of poverty and adverse childhood experiences that have repercussions into adulthood.

“The number of recorded incidents of domestic abuse are much increased since last year.

“Her Majesty’s Inspectorate visited all Police forces in England and Wales in 2016 and found that crime reporting could be improved, and this increase could be due to the new capturing crimes methods on the police system. The number of repeat offenders of domestic abuse has ranged from 20 persons to a maximum of 28 persons.”

For the council tackling the problem of domestic abuse is a priority to make sure its residents live in safe communities. The report added: “In Denbighshire we aim to promote people’s health and well-being and encourage them to remain as independent as possible. In order to do this, we need to work with everyone in the community, to ensure that there are strong support networks in place and ensure people have more involvement in decisions affecting their future wellbeing.

“At the same time, we will continue to make sure that people at risk of abuse or exploitation are safeguarded.”

To do something about the issue the council is working on projects to raise awareness amongst staff and young people on domestic abuse.