HMICFRS report shines a spotlight on measures to support women and girls
APCC Joint Victims Lead, and the Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire, Donna Jones said: “There is a lot of excellent work going on within policing to support women and girls, as today’s report has highlighted. A focus on improving crime recording and victims’ confidence in recent years, supported by campaigns led by Police and Crime Commissioners, has led to widespread improvements in the support available.
“But HMICFRS’ report also highlights the importance of training in tackling disparate practices. Every single police officer and relevant member of police staff, not just specialist investigators, needs to know and fully understand the tools available to protect and support victims - how they can be used, how to access them, and how to signpost victims to them.
“This is true not just of operational measures and powers such as pre-charge bail restrictions and new Domestic Abuse Protection Notices, but also the vital support services that we commission for victims in our local areas. The responsibility to protect women and girls falls to all of us and requires a community-led response.
“Police and Crime Commissioners are grateful to the Centre for Women’s Justice for shining a spotlight on this vital issue. We understand our communities and the needs of victims. We continue to monitor and seek assurances that policing and our partners are doing all they can together to share knowledge, data, and best practice around what works.”