Rotherham victims of violence to shape police tactics on crimes against women

A “violence against women and girls independent advisory group” is being recruited, with individuals who have experience of attacks or have supported others through their ordeals.

The number of domestic abuse investigations in South Yorkshire is currently at an average of 63 offences a day.

South Yorkshire Police said it was imperative that membership of the group reflected the diversity of the region, including the more marginalised communities.

Tim Forber, deputy chief constable, said: “The murder of Sarah Everard was a pivotal moment, I think, as someone who’s been involved in policing for nearly 26 years. It sent a shockwave through police officers up and down the country.

“We are absolutely determined that we will play our part in making sure that we provide the most effective responses to both pursue people who commit violence against women and girls but also make sure we prevent it wherever we can do.

“So much of this in the past has been about educating women about to how to take care of themselves.

“Whilst there will always be an element of that, it needs to be far broader. It’s very much about challenging male behaviour, about having the right systems and set-ups in the night time economy.”

The total for recorded domestic offences in 2021 was 23,054 — up from 22,382 the previous year and ten per cent higher than the 20,930 in 2019.

Police commissioner Dr Alan Billings described the numbers as “tremendously high” at his public accountability board meeting on Monday (7).

Det Chief Con Forber said: “While it’s a high figure, there’s quite a lot of research that will say domestic violence has happened many, many times before it’s even been reported to police.

“Every victims needs to be treated like a repeat right from the start. It might have happened ten, 12, 15 times before they have had the courage to call on our services.

“The important thing is that we take every case seriously.”

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SURVIVORS of domestic abuse have been given more time to tell of their experiences in a survey aimed at making improvements where needed.

The Domestic Abuse Commissioner for England and Wales has extended the deadline on a survey aimed at all domestic abuse survivors over the age of 16 who have used or thought about using domestic abuse services in the last three years.

South Yorkshire police and crime commissioner, Dr Alan Billings, said: “The figures around domestic abuse throughout the country are shockingly high.

“Everyone deserves equal access to help when fleeing domestic violence and bringing perpetrators to justice and I encourage anyone affected by domestic violence in our county to share their experiences via the survey to help the Domestic Abuse Commissioner paint a picture of where services can be improved.”

Visit https://tinyurl.com/Domabusesurvey before next Monday (14) to give your views.