The police responded proactively to prevent domestic abuse and
protect victims during the COVID-19 pandemic, a new report has
found.
Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue
Services (HMICFRS) said the pandemic had put domestic abuse
victims at greater risk, but it praised the police for making
good use of technology and working with partners to find new ways
to support victims. For example, some police forces:
- sent links for virtual appointments to victims which left no
trace on the victim’s phone or computer, which their abuser may
check;
- worked with businesses, including hairdressers and banks, to
improve understanding of the signs of abuse or provide a safe
space for victims;
- ran media campaigns to promote the “silent solution” system
for emergency contact, where someone calling 999 can press 55 if
they are not able to speak; and
- used online platforms to disclose information to potential
victims about a partner’s history of abuse, where previously this
had to take place at a police station.
The inspectorate said that while the police had innovated
throughout the pandemic, it still had some concerns about how the
police responds to domestic abuse longer-term.
HMICFRS found that on average, three in every four domestic abuse
crimes reported to the police are closed without the perpetrator
being charged – a situation which has gradually worsened over the
last five years.
The inspectorate also said it had significant concerns about
court backlogs, which whilst not for the police to solve, may
increase the likelihood of victims disengaging from the criminal
justice process.
HMICFRS has recommended that the police should:
- immediately review why so many domestic abuse cases are
discontinued, and whether more can be done to support victims who
are particularly vulnerable;
- ensure that domestic abuse victims who are waiting for court
hearings are safeguarded and can continue to access support;
- work with partners and domestic abuse victims to understand
why many victims choose not to report to the police, and to
breakdown barriers to reporting; and
- ensure that new practices adopted during the pandemic, such
as online contact with victims, are properly monitored for
quality and safety.
Her Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary Zoë Billingham
said:
“Victims of domestic abuse were at greater risk during the
COVID-19 pandemic when lockdown restrictions made it even harder
to escape their abusers. The police responded proactively by
communicating with known victims, reaching-in to those locked
down, rather than waiting for them to reach out. We saw brilliant
examples of forces up and down the country using innovative new
ways to keep victims safe during the pandemic. I applaud forces
for this. I also want to thank frontline officers who bravely
risked their own safety to attend domestic abuse incidents
throughout the lockdown periods.
“The police have shown they are dedicated to protecting victims
of domestic abuse, but we still have some concerns about the
longer-term response. While we know that not all victims want
their case to go to court – and in fact some crimes are reported
by third parties – we want the police to take the right action,
using the powers only they have to protect victims. It’s a huge
concern that on average, three in every four domestic abuse
related crimes are closed by the police without the perpetrator
being charged. Many forces are unable to explain the reasons why
so many perpetrators are not being brought to justice. Today we
are calling on all forces to immediately review why so many
domestic abuse cases are being closed without any further action
taken and to take steps to address this.
“Despite these concerns, there has been a positive shift over the
last few years with the police prioritising domestic abuse, and
victims should not be discouraged from reporting. The police have
improved their understanding, identification and recording of
domestic abuse, while continuing to find new and innovative ways
to support victims.”
ENDS
Notes to editors:
- HMICFRS is due to publish two new reports in the coming
months, which will revisit and expand on elements of this report
and assess how the police, their partners and the wider criminal
justice system could improve their response to offences against
women and girls.
- These two reports are:
-
- a thematic inspection on how the police and the Crown
Prosecution Service respond to rape; and
- a broader review of how the police keep women and girls
safe.
