Police aim to crack down on violence on the Isle of Wight. Here’s more from the Hampshire Constabulary. Ed
Hampshire Constabulary has embarked on a four month campaign focused on four key themes of violence across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. The themes are domestic violence, night-time economy violence, drug debt-related violence and mental health-related violence.
The main focus of the initiative is domestic violence. Officers and staff work closely with partners in support organisations and local authorities to provide advice and assistance to victims and their families, and attention is being turned to offenders.
Violence will not be tolerated
Chief Constable Alex Marshall said: “We are looking to send out a strong message that all violence offences, and particularly domestic violence, will not be tolerated. We want to enhance our service to victims, catch more violent criminals, enhance our conviction rate and encourage reporting from the many who may be too afraid to speak out. No one should have to suffer in silence.”
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) will form part of the campaign in their use of specialist domestic violence prosecutors and courts being used in Hampshire, to utilise the expertise already present within the organisation.
Online forums provide help
The recently launched Hampshire Domestic Abuse Forum websites provide excellent tools as part of the campaign. There is a site for professionals, including guidance and advice on how to deal with domestic abuse incidents, and a separate site where victims can find support details, reassurance and advice to help them through their experiences.
What’s economy violence?
Night time economy violence refers to alcohol related incidents in areas where there are bars and clubs, which tend to be city or town centres. Licensing visits and checks, working with licensees and door staff, and supporting policing with groups such as Street Pastors are just a few of the tactics in policing these areas and reducing alcohol related violence. Guidance for officers and sharing of beat practice around the force will continue good results in this area.
Many forms of violence under-reported
Drug debt-related violence and mental health-related violence are both areas that are recognised as being under reported. Safer Neighbourhoods teams will be using community links to strengthen local messages around these issues, encourage reporting of incidents and concerns from residents, and gather intelligence.
Mr Marshall continued: “We want to build and maintain safer communities and this campaign will achieve just that. The force will be working together with colleagues and partners, directly tackling some of the most distressing crimes we deal with.”
Nick Hawkins, Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS Hampshire and Isle of Wight said: “Violent crime has a devastating effect as it personally damages individuals. In particular domestic violence preys on people whilst they are in their own homes, surrounded by their family, where they should feel safest and most secure are the some of the most despicable crimes we come across.
“For that reason I wholly support the crackdown by police on the perpetrators of violent crime.
“Those who commit these crimes should be aware that violence has no place in Hampshire and society and we use all the powers we have to bring those responsible to justice”.
