Domestic abuse - keeping victims at the heart of all that we do

FORCEWIDE

At the core of every domestic abuse investigation is the voice of the victim.

Our dedicated teams from our Protecting Vulnerable People (PVP) Unit and Domestic Abuse and Safeguarding Investigation Teams (DASIT) are deeply committed to ensuring that this voice guides our investigation, and work tirelessly to bring perpetrators to justice.

The journey through the criminal justice system can be challenging but working closely with partners and specialist support agencies such as Blue Door, Domestic Violence and Abuse Partnership, the DA Alliance, plus many more, we are dedicated to pursuing evidence-led prosecutions whenever it is in the best interest of the victim, and the community.

Detective Superintendent Phil Booker from PVP said: “We rely on our communities to assist us in capturing vital evidence, whether through statements, footage of incidents, or any concerns or suspicions you may have about a friend, neighbour, or someone you know. Your support is crucial in helping us build strong cases that can stand up in court and bring justice to victims.

“We also recognise the importance of providing victims with the support that they need through close collaboration with our partners. We are committed to ensuring that victims receive the necessary care and protection throughout the process by having access to specialists like Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVA), and Independent Domestic Sexual Violence Advocates (IDSVA) that will be there every step of the way throughout the investigation, and beyond.

“In situations where we may not meet the evidential threshold for a criminal prosecution, we remain committed to the safety of victims. We will utilise alternative measures such as civil orders, domestic violence protection orders, injunctions, and even SmartWater technology to offer protection and peace of mind.

“Even when we do not meet the evidential threshold required for a criminal prosecution, this does not mean that the incident did not occur or that we do not believe the victim. The challenges arise because of the evidential test that would stand up to the criteria beyond all reasonable doubt, which is a much higher standard than the balance of probabilities.

“Policing domestic abuse presents significant challenges, but with the collective effort of our community, we can make meaningful difference. Together, we can ensure that victims are heard, supported, and protected.”

For more information, head to our dedicated campaign page.