LATEST figures show that progress continues to be made by Gloucestershire Constabulary in improving how officers tackle domestic abuse.

 


The conviction rate for domestic abuse cases now stands at 75 per cent while the number of domestic abuse cases currently being considered or taken through the courts by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) accounts for 51 per cent of all the cases the service is handling at county level, compared to an average of 44 per cent nationally.

Meanwhile, police have been scrutinising the use of the Domestic Abuse, Stalking and Harassment and Honour Based Violence (DASH) form, which officers complete after incidents to assess the risk to domestic abuse victims, and have reported a 100 per cent compliance rate in October 2014.  

The figures follow an encouraging report of the force by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary, who commended the Constabulary for the improvements in the way domestic abuse cases are identified and investigated.

Assistant Chief Constable, Richard Berry, said: “I think these figures show heightened awareness of domestic abuse and will hopefully encourage more victims to come forward.

"They also show the hard work going on by officers and staff to improve the service we give to victims of domestic abuse. 

"Assessing the early warning signs and understanding what constitutes domestic abuse is vital so it's particularly pleasing that frontline officers are filling in DASH forms where they should be.

"We're not complacent though, and are determined to keep the momentum going by continuing with a range of measures to ensure the best practice from our Public Protection Bureau is transferred to response officers and staff.  This is already showing through in the quality of the reports we take from victims, meaning ultimately they receive a better service from us.

"We remain committed to our pledge to put the victim at the heart of everything we do and are planning a range of activities as part of 16 days of action in November.

"Gloucestershire Police and our partner agencies are determined to get the message across that domestic abuse will not be tolerated."

CPS Senior Crown Prosecutor Rob Allen said: “Domestic violence permeates all sections of our society and can have devastating consequences for victims and their families, as we have sadly seen in a number of recent cases in Gloucestershire.

"Despite record conviction rates more than one woman per week is killed by a current or former male partner.

"The Crown Prosecution Service is firmly committed to the task of bringing more abusers to justice and increasing the safety of victims.

"Thousands of women and a considerable number of men in our country remain trapped in an abusive relationship.

"I would like to reassure anyone currently experiencing any form of abuse or violence that no matter how long ago the offences took place the CPS will always seek to prosecute where there is sufficient evidence and it is in the public interest to do so.

"Please come forward and speak to the police so you can break the cycle of violence."

More support and information on domestic abuse and sexual violence please visit the new website www.glostakeastand.com

Gloucestershire is taking a stand to promote healthy relationships and raise awareness of domestic abuse, sexual violence and other related issues across 16 days of action.

Between Tuesday, November 25 ‘Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls International day’ and Wednesday 10th December ‘Human Rights’ day organisations, groups and communities right across the county are joining forces and taking action.

A number of events for public and professionals will be held throughout the county, backed up by a marketing campaign encouraging people to seek help if they have any doubts that they are in a healthy relationship.

Those supporting the campaign will be asked to display a poster or wear a purple ribbon.