A groundbreaking pilot project in Dorset, a county in South West England, has uncovered a deeply troubling pattern: more than three-quarters of individuals arrested for violent offences against women and girls tested positive for cocaine or heroin.

Shocking Statistics

The eight-month pilot project, conducted by Dorset Police between April 2024 and January 2025, examined 62 people arrested for offences including domestic abuse. The results were stark. 52 individuals, representing over 75% of those tested, had Class A drugs in their system at the time of arrest.

Calls for Action

David Sidwick, Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, presented these findings to Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole Council’s Police and Crime Panel on 24 July, emphasising the urgent need for action. “I am very clear that we have to keep up the pressure about this, we have to keep lobbying Government because they are not doing enough,” he said.

The Commissioner stressed that whilst national support remains crucial, local authorities must also examine their own efforts to address substance misuse and its devastating impact on communities.

Local Response

Councillor Alastair Keddie responded to the data by describing the relationship between Class A drug use and domestic abuse as “absolutely shocking.” His reaction reflects growing concerns amongst local officials about the intersection of substance abuse and gender-based violence.

The Scale of the Problem

During the pilot project period, officers arrested 1,446 people for violence against women and girls offences. The testing programme specifically targeted those suspected of domestic abuse-related crimes, revealing patterns that demand immediate attention from policymakers and community leaders.

The findings highlight how substance dependency can fuel aggressive behaviour and create dangerous environments for women and girls. Addressing this connection requires comprehensive strategies that tackle both the root causes of drug use and the protection of vulnerable individuals.

As Dorset continues to grapple with these interlinked issues, the data serves as a powerful reminder of why prevention and early intervention programmes are essential for creating safer communities.

The Home Office has been approached for comment on the findings and what additional measures might be implemented nationally.

Source: dbrecovery resources