Tackling Domestic Abuse- Commissioner's Blog

The latest Blog from our Crime Commissioner is now available online here and deals with Domestic Abuse

Domestic abuse is an abhorrent and cowardly act and it is a shocking fact that nationally, 100,000 people are at risk of serious harm each year because of it. My Police & Crime Plan sets out my priority to both protect Cheshire's communities from harm and support victims and witnesses of crime. This includes tackling those who commit domestic abuse and supporting those who suffer it.

In October, I spoke at an event hosted by the Police & Crime Panel and outlined that tackling domestic abuse must be something that is addressed through a multi-agency approach. In Cheshire, I want the focus to be on developing a more consistent service which has an evidence base of effectiveness and which has a foundation in placing victims' needs at the heart of what we do.

Victims of domestic abuse are some of the most vulnerable in our community and have often been subjected to multiple incidents before finding the courage to report them.

Sometimes, reporting never takes place and I want victims to feel empowered enough to report the crimes against them and to do this they must trust that the police will take the appropriate course of action and that they will be supported with their emotional and practical needs.

I have invested in enhancing support services which includes funding dedicated Independent Domestic Violence Advocates in Cheshire hospitals. I have supported the Constabulary to expand the 'Live-Link' provision across Cheshire which allows victims to give evidence remotely without fear and intimidation. This will be used in specialist domestic violence courts in Cheshire – a victim centred approach.

Progress so far has been good. There has been an increase in reporting of domestic incidents by 6.8% in Cheshire. This is positive, more victims feeling able to report what has previously been hidden.

Those who act abusively must also be tackled. The Chief Constable has my full support in the implementation of new domestic violence powers which restrict offenders, I am supporting work across the county to target serial domestic violence perpetrators and I am funding an evaluation of the programmes that target offenders.