Significant Risks in Devon and Cornwall's Domestic Violence Response
There are ‘some significant risks’ in the way that Devon and Cornwall Police tackle domestic abuse according to a national report published today by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC).
There were 9,212 domestic abuse related crimes reported in Devon and Cornwall in the 12 months leading up to August 2013 accounting for 11% of all recorded crime in the force area.
Despite the high number of cases, the report highlights weaknesses and inconsistencies in Devon and Cornwall’s response to domestic violence finding that while there were “pockets of good work” they had not been replicated across the force which could mean some victims were not getting the support needed to keep them safe.
The watchdog calls for more clarity in the force’s approach to domestic violence as well as better standards and training for all staff related to domestic violence to ensure a more consistent and victim focused approach to policing.
Responding to the report, Assistant Chief Constable Andy Bickley, said: “I know there is much good work taking place within Devon and Cornwall in the field of domestic abuse, however, the report has highlighted inconsistencies which we need to address.
“It is essential that victims are at the forefront of everything we do and that any victim of domestic abuse feels they are able to seek support from the police and our partner agencies.
“We recognise there are too many inconsistencies in the service which the report identifies. Some of these we had already identified and are addressing.
These inconsistencies are particularly focused around the safeguarding of victims where a lack of clarity in responsibility has lead to some victims not getting the service they need to keep them safe.
Concerns were also raised over weaknesses in training of call handlers many of whom lacked a clear understanding of domestic violence and how to properly identify victims which meant that the force could not be sure of a consistent response to calls around domestic violence.
There was also limited training and supervision for officers making risk assessments at the scene of domestic violence meaning some ‘at risk’ victims may not be identified.
Despite these and several other issues the report said that domestic violence was a “clear priority” for both the force and the police and crime commissioner (PCC) Tony Hogg who have set up measures to give better support to staff dealing with domestic abuse, however these measures had not yet been consistently applied across the force.
The report also praised the introduction of a new system to identify and manage repeat abusers so officers can step in earlier and prevent future harm to victims.
While this system is still relatively new and has not yet been evaluated the HMIC argue that if properly run it should reduce victim risk.
Assistant Chief Constable Bickley added: “It is vital that victims of domestic abuse in Devon and Cornwall are reassured that this is one of our priority areas and that they should feel confident in our ability to support them and tackle this hidden and damaging crime.
“We have experienced and specially trained officers who will support any victim and their circumstances will be dealt with professionally and with sensitivity.”
The report also praises the Police’s work with partner agencies, including charities and councils, both at the county and local levels making the victims of domestic violence safer.
Every force in the country, has been subject to inspection to ensure services are independently assessed and improved.
Nationally the HMIC found “alarming and unacceptable weaknesses”, in particular in the quality of initial investigation undertaken by responding officers when they are called to a scene.
The report also identifies that officers may lack the necessary supervision, knowledge and skills effectively to tackle domestic abuse, and some have poor attitudes.
HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary, Tom Winsor, said: “Domestic abuse casts a truly terrible blight on the lives of very many people, and can have tragic consequences. In too many police forces we found there were serious weaknesses in services, which are putting victims at unnecessary and avoidable risk, and failings in some core policing activity.
“Domestic abuse is not only about violence; it is about fear, control and secrecy. It is essential that the police make substantial reforms to their handling of domestic abuse, including in their understanding of the coercive and psychological nature of the crime as well as its physical manifestations.
“They must create the conditions so that victims have the confidence to call for help, in the knowledge that they will be believed and kept safe. Domestic abuse is a volume crime, and a serious one. The police must accept that and act on HMIC’s recommendations for urgent and material improvements.”
