Response To Domestic Abuse

3021 Words13 Pages
Critique the Police Service Response to Domestic Abuse over the last decade Domestic abuse happens within families or between partners, the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) define domestic abuse in their 2008 guidelines for police officers to follow as; ‘Any incident of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse (psychological, physical, sexual, financial, or emotional) between adults, aged 18 and over, who are or have been intimate partners or family members, regardless of gender and sexuality, (Family members are defined as mother, father, son, daughter, brother, sister and grandparents, whether directly related, in-laws or step-family)’ (ACPO, 2008). Recent changes to these guidelines mean that in March 2013 the definition…show more content…
However it is not just women that are affected by domestic abuse men are as well, 5% of men experience domestic abuse in a year (Home Office, 2011). In the British Crime Survey 2010/2011 it was reported that 30% of women experienced domestic abuse (BBC NEWS uk, 2012). There are many views surrounding domestic violence that suggest it is not a real policing matter, and therefore many people feel that they cannot report the abuse, such issues and police failings in domestic abuse cases, have created a long history of negative association surrounding the police and domestic abuse (walklate, 2007). Research has also shown that victims feel that the service the police provide is unsatisfactory (Cromack, 1995). Consequently, guidelines and codes of practice are frequently being changed and updated to ensure that shortfalls do not occur. These changes are also being made to restore the public’s faith and make sure domestic abuse victims are getting the best services possible from the police. The government made the Home Office Circular 60/1990. Which stated the main objectives when dealing with domestic abuse, these where that; domestic abuse complaints should be recorded and investigated in the same way as procedures the police follow when the crimes are committed by strangers. This has…show more content…
Crime in England and Wales 2010/11. London: Home Office National Statistics. Home Office, n.d. Home Office: Domestic Violence. [Online] Available at: http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/crime/violence-against-women-girls/domestic-violence/ [Accessed 01 January 2013]. House of Commons, 2004. The Domestic Violence, Crime and Victimes Bill [HL]: Domestic Violence Provisions. London: House of Commons House of Commons. Hoyle, C., 2008. Will she be safe? A critical analysis of risk assesment in domestic violence case. Children and Youth Services Review , 30(3), pp.323-37. Independent police complaints commission, 2011. Commissioner's report: Investigation into Tthe Police Management of reports of domestic abuse made by/in relation to Casey Brittle. Independent Police complaints commisson. Independent Police Complaints Commission, 2012. IPCC publishes finding from investigation into essex police contact with christine chambers prior to her murder. [Online] Available at: http://www.ipcc.gov.uk/news/Pages/pr_220812_chambers.aspx?auto=True&l1link=pages%2Fnews.aspx&l1title=News%20and%20press&l2link=news%2FPages%2Fdefault.aspx&l2title=Press%20Releases [Accessed 4 January
Open Document