How PCCs are helping to protect the vulnerable during the COVID-19 crisis
APCC Victims Leads: Julia Mulligan, North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner and Sophie Linden, London’s Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, said:
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has put a huge strain on many families, with charities reporting an increase in demand for their services since lockdown restrictions came into force in March.
Supporting victims of crime is at the heart of the work of Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs). They commission local specialist services to support all victims, including victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence. It their job to understand the needs of their local community.
Home Secretary, Rt Honourable Priti Patel MP, said: “I have been particularly heartened to see PCCs across the country providing leadership within their communities by prioritising providing additional support to the most vulnerable during this period. I look forward to working with them all over the coming weeks and months to continue keeping our communities and country safe.”
The Association of Police and Crime Commissioners has published ‘Protecting the vulnerable during the COVID-19 crisis’, which provides a snapshot of the innovative work going on to support domestic abuse victims, as well as initiatives to protect the elderly from fraud and scams and promoting safer internet use for children stuck indoors. The document demonstrates how PCCs responded quickly to the anticipated impact of COVID-19, recognising the significant impact on victims who may be trapped indoors with perpetrators, and ensuring that funding, support, including online resources and live chat facilities, were made available to the most vulnerable across our communities.