GWENT has seen a steady year-on-year increase in the number of successful convictions for domestic abuse.

According to figures obtained in a Freedom of Information Request to the Crown Prosecution Service regarding the number of domestic abuse prosecutions in Gwent, the number of attempted prosecutions has almost doubled from 2007 to 2012.

The Crown Prosecution Service defines domestic abuse as any threatening behaviour, violence or abuse (psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional) between partners, ex-partners or family members, regardless of gender or sexuality.

Crimes categorised under domestic abuse range from murder and attempted murder to arson, kidnapping and criminal damage.

In 2007 there were just 521 successful prosecutions out of 746, but in 2012 from January to November 14, out of 1,173 prosecutions, 973 were successful and just 200 were unsuccessful.

The figures show more incidents in Gwent are being reported, while the percentage of unsuccessful prosecutions is dropping every year in Gwent.

According to figures released by Gwent Police, they were called to 2,808 incidents of domestic violence in 2011/12. Out of those, 808 were in Newport, 845 in the Caerphilly County Borough area, 479 in Torfaen, 437 in Blaenau Gwent and 239 in Monmouthshire.

In 2010 Gwent Police were called to more than 500 incidents flagged as domestic abuse against men across the boroughs.

In all of Gwent, Newport central consistently has the highest number of domestic abuse incidents with 366 in 2010, compared to just 50 in Caldicot.

According to domestic violence charity Hafan Cymru, each year, more than 50,000 women in Wales experience Domestic Abuse, and reports of Domestic Violence have increased by 17% since the beginning of the recession.

Gwent Police recorded nearly 3,000 domestic abuse related crimes during 2010/11 and 2,808 domestic violence crimes in 2011/12 According to statistics released by the Home Office, an average of two women a week in England and Wales are killed by a male partner or former partner, which constitutes around one-third of all female murder victims.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, call the free Wales Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 8010800. They provide free, confidential information and support.