The number of criminal cases involving domestic violence that have not been prosecuted because of a lack of evidence rose from 23 to 178 between 2003 and last year. Secretary for Security Ambrose Lee Siu-kwong said at a Legislative Council meeting yesterday that the cases dropped involved a reluctant witness, another reconciling with the offender and doubts over the credibility of a witness. Mr Lee said more victims had stood up for themselves with increased education and promotion by the government. Legislators are asking for tougher penalties.