Domestic violence and abuse is defined by the government as controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are, or have been, intimate partners or family members, regardless of gender or sexuality.
Theresa May, home secretary, has said that there have been improvements in how the police deal with victims of domestic violence and abuse since a review in 2013 however ‘examples of the same shameful attitude’ persist. The home secretary spoke at the Police Federation’s annual conference and said ‘Victims of abuse are still being let down and reports are not being taken seriously enough’.
The findings of the review in 2013, by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC), into the way police handled domestic abuse found victims were not treated with respect and one example was a victim who overhead a responding officer say: “it’s a DV, we’ll be a few minutes and we’ll go on to the next job”.
The Home Secretary said that more victims are coming forward and crimes are being properly recorded which is resulting in more convictions however she commented that ‘we continue to see examples of the same shameful attitude that HMIC uncovered in 2013’. The Home Secretary has therefore now asked the HMIC to investigate this issue.
If you are experiencing abuse following your separation or fear that your former partner is acting in a vengeful manner, you can talk to us in complete confidence about the legal steps you can take to bring your abuser to justice and to legally end your relationship. Our Family Law specialists will handle your case with sensitivity and provide the proper advice and guidance you need. Please contact us for a free 20 minute consultation on 0161 927 3118.