Nearly one in six crimes in Wiltshire are related to domestic abuse, according to the latest statistics.

The statistics revealed domestic abuse-related crimes account for 16 per cent of all crime in the county.

However, there has been a 16.2 per cent decrease in domestic abuse-related crimes and incidents over the past year, with reports dropping from 14,620 to 12,246 compared to the previous year.

The fall reflects a decrease of more than 1,000 domestic abuse-related crimes, equating to a reduction of 14.4 per cent.

Read more: Swindon man 'repeatedly stabbed door' as 'cry for help'

Police and crime commissioner Philip Wilkinson said: "Significant progress has been made by Wiltshire Police in the past year to improve the service that victims receive and robustly investigate reports to reduce repeat victimisation and ensure that offenders are caught as early as possible.

"Whilst I’m reassured to see a reduction in recorded crime and increase in successful prosecutions locally, there is still a lot of work to be done to ensure women and girls feel safe within their communities.

"Specialist support is available to perpetrators to break the cycle of abuse and change their behaviour before they cause further harm, as well as the victim support services commissioned by my office to support those affected by domestic abuse.

"This support can be accessed without having to make a report to the police, and if you're worried about a colleague, friend or loved one you are able to seek advice on their behalf."

Wiltshire also has a good arrest and prosecution rate for domestic abuse offences, with an 80 per cent conviction rate – higher than the national average.

Read more: Wiltshire police extend scheme to protect women from abuse

Detective Chief Inspector Lucy Thorne, Wiltshire Police VAWG Lead, said: "The figures are positive, but we recognise there is a long way to go.

"We know that domestic abuse is an under-reported crime for women and men, and we are working to improve our response to breaking down barriers for those affected to reporting to us."

She added: "We want anyone that experiences domestic abuse in Wiltshire to know you're not alone.

"We want you to report to us, and we want to offer you support.

"If you don't want to report to the police, please reach out to one of our partner agencies."

Partners in Wiltshire and Swindon have launched the 16 Days of Action campaign to raise awareness of the signs of domestic abuse and stalking.