WEST Yorkshire Police investigated thousands of allegations of coercive control in the first year of the coronavirus pandemic, figures show.

December marked the sixth anniversary of landmark legislation introduced to make coercive or controlling behaviour a criminal offence in England and Wales.

But only a "small minority of survivors" who experience such abuse will see justice done, according to charity Women's Aid.

Data published by the Office for National Statistics shows West Yorkshire Police logged 2,683 allegations of coercive or controlling behaviour during 2020-21.

That was up from 2,115 the year before – and different figures suggest most cases will never reach a courtroom.

Of the 2,090 cases closed by the force in West Yorkshire during 2020-21, 96 per cent were abandoned due to difficulties gathering evidence while just 63 ended with a suspect being charged or summonsed to court.

Women's Aid described coercive control, punishable by up to five years imprisonment, as a problem "at the heart of almost all domestic abuse".

Abusers can be jailed for subjecting a partner or family member to controlling behaviour such as isolating them, exploiting them financially, depriving them of basic needs, humiliating, frightening or threatening them.

Isabelle Younane, head of policy, campaigns and public affairs at Women's Aid, said it is vital all police officers and prosecutors understand the nature and "damaging, lifelong impact" of coercive control.

She added: “Survivors need, and deserve, a consistent response to their experiences of abuse."

A spokesperson for West Yorkshire Police said: "As part of the force’s ethical crime recording practices all domestic abuse allegations, including behavioural crimes such as controlling and coercive behaviour and stalking and harassment, are recorded when victims or third parties make contact with West Yorkshire Police.

"In line with many other forces, West Yorkshire Police have recorded increasing numbers of all types of domestic abuse offences year-on-year, and actively encourage victims of domestic abuse to report their abuse to the police, in whatever form it takes.

"The force is undertaking significant work to improve investigations and investigative outcomes, working closely with the CPS, to ensure where evidence meets the required threshold that cases are taken to prosecution. West Yorkshire Police works extensively with partner agencies to safeguard victims and provide them with access to support services. This work seeks to use a range of orders like the Domestic Violence Protection Orders (DVPOs) to protect victims.

"The impact of controlling and coercive behaviour on victims is well recognised, as is the difficulty many victims have in finding the confidence to report what is repeated and continuous criminal behaviour by perpetrators, or indeed recognising they are victims of this behaviour."