Police perpetrated domestic abuse: Report on the centre for women’s justice super complaint

In March 2020 the Centre for Women’s Justice (CWJ), working with the Bureau of Investigative Journalism, submitted a super-complaint alleging that forces were not responding appropriately to cases of domestic abuse involving police officer or police staff suspects.  HMICFRS, The College of Policing and the IOPC jointly investigated CWJ’s concerns. They released their findings on 30 June 2022.  

Summary

The Association of Police and Crime Commissioners (APCC) has released an update regarding the Centre for Women’s Justice (CWJ) super complaint, which raised concerns about the handling of domestic abuse cases involving police officers or staff. The report, published after investigations by HMICFRS, the College of Policing, and the IOPC, emphasizes the need for improved responses to such cases, despite examples of good practice.

Key Highlights:

1. Recommendation for PCCs:
   The report includes a key recommendation for Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs), the Ministry of Justice (MoJ), and chief constables. It calls for domestic abuse support services to address the specific needs of both police and non-police victims of police-perpetrated domestic abuse (PPDA).
2. PCC Responses and Actions:
   All 43 PCCs, PFCCs, and Deputy Mayors accepted the recommendation and outlined their approaches:
   • Reassurance: Many PCCs, including Cambridge, Cleveland, Dorset, and Essex, are reviewing existing services and engaging with providers to identify gaps and ensure tailored support for victims.
   • Accountability: Several PCCs, such as West Yorkshire, Staffordshire, and Northumbria, are holding Chief Constables accountable through scrutiny meetings and performance monitoring.
   • Training: Authorities like Durham, MOPAC, and South Wales are implementing further training for officers, staff, and service providers to enhance understanding and response to PPDA cases.
   • Funding: Many regions, including Greater Manchester, Hampshire, Cheshire, and Lancashire, have allocated resources to commission or enhance domestic abuse support services.
3. Challenges and Improvements:
   The report acknowledges that while progress has been made, gaps remain in some areas. For example, Avon and Somerset PCC noted a lack of bespoke services, while North Wales PCC admitted that some victims had not received adequate support. However, initiatives such as Hampshire’s Police IDVA and Victim Lincs in Lincolnshire are helping bridge these gaps.
4. Local Service Development:
   Many PCCs are working with local providers to tailor services, ensure confidential referral pathways, and improve the understanding of the police complaints and disciplinary system for victims.