THERE are "not enough police" officers to tackle violence against women in Southampton, the commissioner has said.

Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), Donna Jones, has admitted there are not enough officers to deal with violence against women across the city.

It comes after dozens of incidents in Southampton including spikings, rapes, and women carrying weapons in fear of attack.

READ MORE: Southampton spiking victim calls for 'emphasis on perpetrators' and end to 'lad culture'

Data published recently showed that sexual offences have increased more than any other violent crime in the city.

Mrs Jones was asked if there were enough officers to deal with the problem of violence against women.

During a BBC interview, she replied: "No, not yet - but we're getting there."

READ MORE: 'We don't feel safe': Women are arming themselves with weapons in fear of sexual assault

Last year, she said she would hire 600 more officers across the county.

However, in the interview, she said that 500 will have joined the force by September.

She added that the force "does need more" police, and said the best way to tackle sexual harassment in public is by "having a greater police presence".

READ MORE: More is being done to protect women and girls from violence, say agency bosses

In February, Hampshire’s first Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) conference was held in Southampton, which was attended by a number of agency bosses including the police and crime commissioner.

Pledges were made that fresh action would be taken which included putting police in the “right areas”.

Mrs Jones also said that 2022 is a “key year” in tackling violence against women and girls.

READ MORE: Sexual offences rise more than any other violent crime in Southampton, data shows

The Daily Echo has published a number of stories about women who have turned to carrying knuckledusters and pepper spray in a bid to protect themselves from men.

Emily Seymour-Dale, a 20-year-old university student, told how she was spiked and found unconscious and injured in a bar bathroom.

According to the Office for National Statistics, Hampshire Constabulary recorded 1,222 incidents of sexual offences in Southampton in the 12 months to December.

That was an increase of 29 per cent compared to the previous year - more than any other violent crime in the city.

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