Force domestic abuse response questioned by HMIC
THERE are risks that some victims of domestic abuse may not be getting the response or quality of service they need from South Yorkshire Police, HM Inspectorate of Constabulary have warned.
In its report – Everyone’s business: Improving the police response to domestic abuse – the body said that inspectors recognised that “tackling domestic abuse is a clear priority for the area’s police and crime commissioner and the force”.
And that “this is recognised by staff at all levels.”
HMIC states that tackling domestic abuse is a clear priority for the PCC and the force, in spite of budget cuts elsewhere, is continuing to invest in specialist officers to deal with domestic abuse.
In South Yorkshire, domestic abuse accounts for 5% of calls to the police for assistance. The force was unable to provide data on the number of these calls that were from repeat victims. Domestic abuse accounts for 6% of all recorded crime.
South Yorkshire Police recorded 5,278 domestic abuse related crimes for the 12 months to the end of August 2013. Of these crimes 34 percent resulted in a charge, 5 percent resulted in a caution and, 1 percent had an out of court disposal, for example a fixed penalty notice for disorderly conduct.
HMIC found that the force responds well to the victims facing the highest risks.
It added: “However, for those assessed as being at less risk, the service is not as good. There are serious weaknesses in the initial response and risk assessment of all domestic abuse victims, which the force has recognised.
“Plans are in place to introduce an improved approach. Partnership working is good, but there are inconsistencies in the service victims get across the force area, depending on the district in which they live.”
The report makes 8 recommendations for South Yorkshire Police including that the force should provide detailed and relevant training for all staff including enquiry office, communications centre, frontline, specialists and supervisors, appropriate to their role which includes all aspects of domestic abuse.
To see all the recommendations and the full South Yorkshire report, click here
Paul Ford, lead on domestic violence for the Police Federation of England and Wales, said: “The HMIC report states that every 30 seconds officers are contacted by a victim of or witness to domestic violence and that eight per cent of all recorded crime is related to domestic violence. It is vital that forces ensure their frontline supervisors have the appropriate training and support to help them manage this destructive crime.”
ACPO Lead on Domestic Abuse, Assistant Chief Constable Louisa Rolfe, said: “Domestic abuse is core police business. The leadership of the service has said that domestic abuse is a priority and we are committed to working with HMIC to make sure this is the case in every force.”
ACPO also tweeted “thanks to the police officers commended for their ‘tireless work’ to protect victims of domestic abuse.”