VIOLENCE against women and girls is still highly prevalent, even as crime rates fall, latest police figures revealed today.

His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services’ annual State of Policing report found that officers are still failing at responding to calls for help promptly, keeping victims informed, and bringing offenders to justice.

Since 2015, the proportion of victim-based offences, including sexual offences, that are brought to justice has substantially declined, it said.