Damning report into police response to domestic violence singles out Thames Valley for praise

Thames Valley Police has been singled out in a national report for its good work tackling domestic violence.
Police and crime commissioner Anthony StansfeldPolice and crime commissioner Anthony Stansfeld
Police and crime commissioner Anthony Stansfeld

The force was praised by in the Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) report for its comprehensive training of officers and staff over the last two years on risk assessment, honour based violence, stalking, harassment and coercive control.

It was also put in the top bracket of forces providing a good service to victims of domestic violence.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The report said most forces across the UK did not do a good enough job fighting domestic violence, but said ‘the public in the Thames Valley Police area can have confidence that generally the police provide a good service to victims of domestic abuse and help keep them safe’.

Domestic abuse accounts for five percent of calls to Thames Valley for assistance.

There were 9,728 domestic abuse related crimes in the region for the 12 months to the end of August 2013. For every 100 domestic abuse crimes recorded, there were 77 arrests in Thames Valley. For most forces the number is between 45 and 90.

Thames Valley police and crime commissioner Anthony Stansfeld said: “This is a positive report that demonstrates Thames Valley Police’s commitment to supporting victims of domestic abuse.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Tackling domestic abuse is one of my own key priorities and I will continue to work closely with the police, local authorities and the Crown Prosecution Service to identify and support those at risk, and to bring the perpetrators to justice.”

Acting chief constable John Campbell said: “We welcome the positive HMIC feedback and are pleased that the report acknowledges tackling domestic abuse is a priority for our force. Also, that our staff has a good understanding of what needs to be done to provide a good service to victims.

“Our specialist officers received praise for their work in the report, which says that victims who were at greatest risk of harm receive a more bespoke service. These officers regularly work together with dedicated victims’ advocates to offer specialist support guiding victims through what is often a very traumatic and emotional journey.

“It is also important that the good work of our front line officers to identify and risk assess victims particularly those at high risk, has been acknowledged in the report.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The ‘Everyone’s business: Improving the police response to domestic abuse’ was commissioned by the Home Secretary and released Thursday.

FURTHER READING