As part of #16Days campaign to raise awareness about domestic abuse, we are highlighting how we respond to reports of domestic incidents.
There is no typical victim and there is no typical offender. Abuse can occur across all sections of society and regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion, sexuality, class, age or disability. Domestic abuse may also occur in a range of different relationships including heterosexual, gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgender, as well as within families.
The police have a range of powers available to deal specifically with domestic violence but what is central to all domestic abuse investigations is ensuring the safety and protection of victims and any children.
Detective Inspector Anna Rice, Head of the City of London Public Protection Unitsaid : “There are a number of powers available to police when dealing with a report of a domestic incident. It is important that each case is assessed thoroughly to ensure all victims receive the appropriate support.
“We will use the full range of powers available to us when dealing with domestic abuse. We know that each case is different and there is no singular way of dealing with domestic abuse. We are committed to providing the best resolution possible in each individual case with victim safeguarding at the heart of every decision we make.”
What powers do police have?
Domestic Violence Protection Notices (DVPN) and Domestic Violence Protection Orders (DVPO) are designed to protect victims of domestic abuse and their children by giving them the space, time and support to plan a safer future by keeping the offender away.
The Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme, more commonly known as Clare’s Law, allows police to disclose information about an individual’s previous history of domestic abuse if requested by a partner or relative. The scheme was named after Clare Wood who was murdered by her ex-boyfriend, in February 2009. She had been unaware of his history of violence against women.
When our officers attend an incident of this nature they complete a ‘City of London Domestic Abuse, Stalking & Harassment Incident Book’ to ensure all reports of a domestic nature are dealt with in the same way and risk level is assessed at the earliest opportunity. All high risk cases are referred to Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) by our Public Protection Unit to effectively manage safeguarding.
If City of London officers attend an incident involving a victim that is deemed to be vulnerable but lives outside of our area, we ensure that they are referred to their local MARAC for their safety to be reviewed.
