Domestic abuse a 'hidden epidemic' in Wales says top Welsh cop

The chief constable of Wales' biggest police force says domestic abuse is a hidden epidemic in Welsh communities.

Matt Jukes was speaking on the first anniversary since he became one of the most senior police officers in Wales.

Mr Jukes says despite the changing nature of crime, domestic violence remains one of the main issues in policing.

The force responds to 33,000 domestic abuse calls each year. The chief constable says there are at least 10,000 woman who are suffering repeated victimisation.

Mr Jukes says the problem cannot be solved by policing alone but by a change in society.

Watch my interview with him:

In a wide-ranging interview, Matt Jukes also said financial pressures mean police buildings will have to close to be replaced by online services for the public.

He also said the force would use more 'stop and search' powers to tackle growing problems with knife crime.

Another problem facing him this year is a legal challenge over the force's use of facial recognition cameras.

The cameras are deployed during big crowded events to find people on a police watch list.

The force says it has been used to find criminals, but some are concerned about the infringement of privacy.

You can read more on the court action here

Matt Jukes says the legal challenge is not entirely unwelcome.

This year South Wales police marks 50 years since it was established.

Mr Jukes knows he has to meet the challenges of now with squeezed budgets but high public expectations.