New partnership aims to tackle police perpetrated domestic abuse
Wiltshire Police has partnered with Dorset Police to improve its service
A new police partnership is aiming to encourage more survivors of domestic abuse in Wiltshire to come forward when the alleged perpetrator works in policing.
Wiltshire Police is working with its colleagues in Dorset to improve its service to victims where offenders are police officers or staff.
It means, regardless of whether the victim is also working in policing, an option may be provided to the victim to have a case officer appointed from Dorset Police.
The Force hopes it will boost confidence in reporting domestic abuse crimes and see more people speak out as a result, by ensuring there is independence within the investigation and support for survivors.
Data shows that one in five adults experience domestic abuse during their life, that two of every three victims are woman.
Domestic abuse is said to be a "hidden" crime, with less than a quarter of cases reported to police.
DCI Claire Smith, lead for 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."
Superintendent Neil Wright, Dorset Police’s lead for Violence Against Woman and Girls (VAWG) as well as domestic abuse lead, 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."
If you are experiencing domestic abuse but do not feel like you can report it to the police, please speak to someone you trust about what is happening to you.