Crime Commissioners Blog -Tackling Domestic Abuse

Posted: Friday 13th March 2015

I received a report this week that outlined that 7% of women and 5% of men are estimated to have experienced domestic abuse in 2011/12. This is equivalent to an estimated 1.2 million female and 800,000 male victims. The same report indicated that the total cost of domestic violence is estimated at £4 billion to services and £2 billion in lost productivity at work.

These are stark figures and given that evidence also shows that many victims suffer multiple incidents of abusive behaviour prior to reporting to the police and the untold harm that is caused to victims and their families, it is virtually impossible to comprehend the true impact of such heinous and cowardly behaviour.

I have previously told you about my investment in Independent Domestic Violence Advocates (IDVAs) in hospitals across Cheshire. I am pleased to say that I have been receiving reports and case studies that show that this project has been a great success. It is having positive impact in ensuring that victims of abuse feel confident in reporting incidents to the police and are being provided with the on-going support to cope and recover from their ordeal. My funding for this will continue for 2015-16.

I am also funding work aimed at delivering a consistent approach to understanding how domestic abuse services are performing across Cheshire. Additional funding will also be provided to develop an evidence base of best practice.

This work is being lead through a cross Cheshire group chaired by the Constabulary which brings together the domestic abuse co-ordinators from the 4 Cheshire boroughs along with representation from my Office. It is in its early stages but engagement has started with expert professionals across Cheshire within a recent workshop held at Cheshire Police Headquarters. I will be continuing to monitor the progress of this work.

Protecting Cheshire's communities from harm and supporting victims and witnesses of crime are priority objects for me and feature throughout my refresh of the Police & Crime Plan which will be published this month. Ensuring that victims of abuse are able to access the correct support to cope and recover from any abuse they suffer and tackling those perpetrators who commit abuse is a key part of this work.

John Dwyer

Ed:" to read the full blog click here