Lack of trust sees BAME victims in Sussex less likely to report domestic abuse
A new report is calling for an overhaul in the way police handle domestic violence cases - after finding trust is still "broken"
A Sussex charity is warning that a lack of trust is stopping BAME victims from reporting abuse as a new report calls for a nationwide overhaul in police approaches to domestic violence.
It's after a new report from the University of Bristol, based on feedback from police, filmed operational responses to Violence Against Women and Girls call-outs, and incident case files discovered a "persistent lack of trust" in the system.
It also found that victims were "deterred" from reporting crimes because of a lack of trust.
Hersana, who support Black femme abuse survivors, is now urging for better engagement within BAME communities.
Christabel Yeboah, their Chief Vision Officer, said:
"I believe that the lack of trust causes a lack of engagement, and when there is a lack of engagement there is a lack of understanding the community.
"When you don't understand the community, how are you supposed to create safe spaces, or projects, that actually target them or support them in the best way?
"We're looking at less reports, less desire to engage with police, which means that survivors and victims are remaining in abusive relationships.
"They're not seeking support, but also they're not aware of the amazing services or court orders and protections that are available to them."
Respondents also highlighted how erosion of trust in the police was often the outcome of the workings of the criminal justice system more broadly, with the public viewing the police as the face of that system and hence blamed them for broader systemic failures.
Yeboah continued that "black and minoritised communities need to be able to address historical grievances":
"The police need to create pathways to reporting violence without fear."No community is hard to reach - what is happening is you are not trying hard enough to reach the community."
Yesterday, in a Facebook post, Sussex Police said they were "teaming up with" local authorities, victims and charities to "make a real impact together."
In the video, Detective Superintendent Karrie Bohanna said:
"We want all victims to feel safe coming forward, knowing that police will listen and take them seriously.
"...We're committed to creating positive change."