Refuge, the charity that helps those affected by domestic abuse, is calling on the Government to hold an Inquiry into the way the police and other state agencies handle cases of domestic abuse.
An online petition with 38 Degrees has already gathered 20,117 signatures (target 25,000) and hopes to gain traction today upon the release of a report by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) which exposes serious police failures.
Local relevance
The report found that staff within Hampshire Constabulary demonstrated a good level of commitment and awareness to domestic abuse.
However a number of recommendations were made including:
- The force should review the training currently provided to staff, and in particular, local investigators to ensure they have the skills to investigate and manage domestic abuse cases and can take appropriate steps to protect victims.
- The force should improve the quality of investigation at the scene and put in place effective supervision to ensure investigation files are of a good standard, to allow cases against perpetrators to be progressed.
- The force should improve how it uses its systems for identifying serial domestic abuse perpetrators, and incorporate management of them into the core business of neighbourhood teams.
Hampshire and the Isle of Wight recorded 8,068 domestic abuse related crimes for the 12 months to the end of August 2013. Of these crimes, 48% resulted in a charge, 11% resulted in a caution and, 3% had an out of court disposal, for example, a fixed penalty notice for disorderly conduct.
Response from the PCC
Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire Simon Hayes commented on the HMIC inspection of Hampshire Constabulary’s approach to tackling domestic abuse,
“Whilst any reports of domestic abuse are regrettable, the increase in Hampshire could suggest that victims of such abuse have more confidence that their experience will be taken seriously and handled with sensitivity.
Overall, the findings of the HMIC inspection are reassuring. The report highlights the positive steps Hampshire Constabulary has taken to prioritise domestic abuse and strengthen its support to victims. This has been in response to my commitment to prioritise victims and witnesses and, in particular, victims of domestic abuse – putting them at the heart of policing and the criminal justice system.
“The report also highlights some areas that require further attention and where the force can improve its response. It is important that we acknowledge these areas for improvement and I will work closely with the Chief Constable to ensure the force delivers on the recommendations from the report.
“We should also remember that not all victims want their relationship to end. Research is showing us that many want perpetrators to amend their behaviour and continue what can be a meaningful and fulfilling relationship. A criminal justice system that simply charges and punishes an offender is not always delivering a satisfactory outcome for the victim or children involved. We also need to invest in early intervention and support for offenders to deter them from this behaviour – stopping the cycle of abuse.
“I believe partnership working is crucial to tackling domestic abuse and, through my Commissioning Plan, I have supported the activities of partners from across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight who have signficant expertise in this field. It is also positive to see the report highlight the good working relationships the force has with partners already. I am confident that we are moving in the right direction when it comes to supporting vicitms.”
Online petition with 38 Degrees
