Wiltshire Police has joined forces with Dorset Police to offer an improved service to victims of domestic abuse when the alleged perpetrator is serving within policing.
A new memorandum of understanding between the two forces means that, in Wiltshire, victims in such cases – whether or not they also work in policing – may be given the option of having a case officer appointed from Dorset Police.
The move is designed to give victims greater confidence that their case will be handled in a consistent and appropriate way, independent of the alleged perpetrator’s home force.
DCI Claire Smith, lead for Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) for Wiltshire Police, said: "It is fact that there will be victims and perpetrators of domestic abuse within our Force.
"This new protocol for the handling of domestic abuse incidents when the alleged perpetrator of harm is serving within Wiltshire Police, including police officers, police staff and volunteers, will hopefully encourage more victims to come forward and have confidence in our investigation into their case.
"Recognising the complexities of abuse and understanding that it is silence which can allow perpetrators to continue causing harm, we are constantly seeking ways to remove barriers, along with our partners, to reporting so that positive action can be taken."
Domestic abuse affects around one in five adults during their lifetime, with statistics showing that for every three victims, two are female and one is male. Police say the crime is often hidden, with fewer than 24% of incidents reported.
Superintendent Neil Wright, Dorset Police’s lead for VAWG and domestic abuse, said: “Domestic abuse remains a top priority for Dorset Police and we want all victims to have the confidence to report matters to us in the knowledge that they will be fully supported and perpetrators will be held to account.
"This new protocol for the handling of domestic abuse incidents when the alleged perpetrator of harm is employed by Dorset Police – whether an officer, police staff or volunteer – will hopefully encourage more victims to come forward.
"Recognising the complexities of abuse and understanding that it is silence that can allow perpetrators to continue causing harm, we are constantly seeking ways to remove barriers, along with our partners, to reporting so that positive action can be taken."
Anyone experiencing domestic abuse who does not feel able to report it to police is urged to speak to someone they trust or contact a support agency:
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Wiltshire: FearFree – fearfree.org.uk
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Swindon: Swindon Women’s Aid – swadomesticabuse.org
- Paragon Team – SPIDAS (Integrated Domestic Abuse Service)
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