REDDITCH'S Police Domestic Violence Unit has welcomed changes in the law which will make it easier to prosecute offenders.

The unit, led by DS Mike Patz was set up six months ago specifically for Redditch, Bromsgrove and Kidderminster, and has a detective constable dedicated to each area.

In North Worcestershire, a quarter of all violent crime is domestic violence-related.

DS Patz said traditionally, it had been common for victims to be unwilling to press charges but under new laws, "victimless prosecutions" are now easier.

DS Patz said: "We want the victims to work with us and support the prosecution but where they will not, we will go ahead with a victimless prosecution."

He welcomed the new Domestic Violence and Crime Bill, which received royal assent in November and is likely to come into force in April.

The Bill gives police the power to arrest perpetrators of domestic violence for common assault.

Previously common assault - the least serious form of assault - was not an arrestable offence.

An important part of the unit's work includes training uniformed officers, who are likely to be first on the scene of a domestic violence-related incident, to ensure they are up to date with the latest legislation.

DS Patz said: "We are training all officers to take a positive approach to incidents of domestic violence.

"No matter whether the perpetrator is male or female we want to see an arrest and charge if at all possible."