CONTROVERSIAL plans to compile a domestic violence register have been welcomed in Dorset.

Ministers are considering setting up a list of the names and addresses of every person convicted of assaulting their partner, similar to the register already in existence for sex offenders.

Dorset Police has seen the number of such offences soar recently and the force leads the way in tackling the crime.

Chief Constable Jane Stichbury addressed the Conservative Party conference on the subject of domestic violence when delegates visited Bournemouth in October.

She revealed Dorset Police has the second highest arrest rate in the country following incidents of violence behind closed doors.

"The victims are caught in a vicious circle," she said. "This is where it is essential that the decision-making process is taken away from the victim. They can say the police have taken the decision."

Latest crime figures revealed a 12.8 per cent increase in incidents of domestic violence in Dorset.

A spokesman said: "We would support any initiative which would assist us in preventing incidences of domestic violence.

"We await, with interest, the publication of the Home Secretary's proposals."

If a register is approved, convicted offenders will have to inform police when they change address and employers will also be given access to the register.

The Association of Chief Police Officers said a register is "crucial" and revealed that domestic violence accounts for a quarter of all violent crime.