APCC response to HMICFRS publication: The police response to victims of domestic abuse - an update report
APCC response to HMICFRS publication: The police response to victims of domestic abuse - an update report
APCC Victims Lead, Dame Vera Baird said:
“This report provides a welcome focus on the work that police forces in England and Wales are undertaking to improve the way they deal with domestic abuse.
“It is encouraging to see that at a time when demand has increased, generally speaking, there is better support and protection available for victims. Police and Crime Commissioners are responsible for commissioning victims services locally and hold Chief Constables to account through their local police and crime plans.
“Whether it be through better training, the increased use of body worn video or the roll-out of schemes like Operation Encompass, police forces are now better equipped to protect victims of domestic abuse and help bring perpetrators to justice.
“Even so there is clearly more to be done, notably around the use of pre-charge bail which should increase to protect complainants and children, and it will not do that officers are not getting out quickly enough to domestic abuse complaints.
“Policing is on the right road here but not yet at its destination. HMICFRS are to be congratulated for persevering in driving a needed culture change and this report highlights some of the positive steps taken by a range of forces.”