Post on 01-Apr-2015
Safer Bromley Partnership
Chris SmartDetective Chief InspectorBromley Borough Police
Working together to tackle domestic violence
Scope of Presentation
Policing DV – A Brief History
The Bromley Position
MPA Presentation viewed through a case study
- Tackling domestic violence – MPS Risk Model
- Keeping survivors safe and preventing further attacks
- Supporting survivors
- Preventing domestic violence...
- MARAC
- Continuous improvement
10 years agoCrash scene
Introduction of Community Safety Units (CSU).
Macpherson report.
Protection from Harassment Act 1997.
Initial strategy – encouraging victims to report.
Findings
1998 – 60,000 incidents in London.
2005 – 110,000 incidents in London.
1 in 8 cases GBH
1 in 4 cases ABH
1 in 4 murders linked to Domestic Violence.
We got it wrong
Hayley Richards
Tania Moore
Vicky Horgan & Emma Walton
Rana Faruqui
Clare Bernal
Colette Lynch
Current Policy
Positive action.
Enhanced level of victim care.
Safety of victims is paramount – especially if children are involved.
Bromley Position – 08/09
2106 recorded DV offences – 19% increase on 07/08.
1365 arrests made (65%, highest ever recorded arrest rate).
42% of cases were charged or cautioned.
No DV homicides.
Victim gender – 80% female:20%male.
Victim profile
55% are self defined as white British.
80% are aged between 20-49 years old.
Suspect profile
80% are aged between 20-49 years old.
Case Study
19th October 01.43hrs
Police are called to the home of Vietnamese family. The father of the family has returned home drunk and is attempting to throw his wife out of the property which he has started to smash up.
The call comes from the daughter of the family, Mum’s English is not good. Police arrive on scene and the suspect has left. There is considerable damage at the property.
Police leave the scene. The advice to the family ‘If he comes back, don’t let him and call 999'.
…….the same night 0321hrs
Another call, same location, the suspect is back at address. Police arrive and he is still on scene.
Positive action taken?
Suspect advised to leave the scene to sober up and not to come back until he had done so!
……and eventually 0705hrs
Early turn are called to the address. Once on scene officers discover the mother of the family has been stabbed to death. The suspect is not on scene.
The suspect later gives himself into custody and in interview states that the victim had disrespected him by wearing a short sleeve shirt in the presence of his parents the previous day. She also had him ejected from his home by the police.
………….Some of the failings
No attempt at risk identification at 2 previous calls
No history searches by attending officers
No effective investigation
Four previous incidents of violence by suspect against his wife
26 months custody for GBH. No abuse programme
No notification by Police to Social Services regarding children
No support provided for victim
Initial Actions and Options Open to Police
Arrive within 12 minutes (Citizen promise)
Medical attention
Secure and begin to interpret scene (digital camera, head cams)
Secure and record evidence (124D, including risk assessment)
Ensure immediate safety of victim and children (relatives, hospital, arrest suspect)
MPS DV Risk Model (SPECSS+)3 parts to model
Risk identification and intervention by Initial investigating officer (124d and SPECSS+)
Supervisor and investigating officer
Safety planning: intervention options
SPECSS+
Separation/child contact
Pregnancy / new birth
Escalation
Community issues / isolation
Stalking
Sexual assault
...........................................Plus
The ‘plus signs’
Use of weapons/credible threats to killStrangulation, suffocation, drowning attemptsSuicidal/homicidal tendenciesMorbid jealousy, acute controlling behaviourPets abusedSubstance/alcohol misuseMental healthVictims fearChildren abused
Suspect
Arrest if on scene
Search of Area
All known addresses
Manhunt
Criminal Justice Process
Keeping Survivors Safe and Preventing Further Attacks
Panic alarms.
Special schemes.
Victim Support.
Sanctuary Scheme
(Safer Bromley Van).
Women’s Aid.
Housing.
Supporting Survivors
One Stop Shop
DV Text Line
DV Travel Fund
Bromley Advocacy Service
Safer Bromley Partnership
Bromley DV Forum
Preventing Domestic Violence
Freedom Programme.
Training.
Integrated Domestic Abuse Programme (IDAP).
MARAC
Aims of MARAC
To reduce repeat victimisation.
To increase well-being of victims.
To safeguard victims & their children.
To address safety of agency staff.
How does it work ?
Referral to MARAC coordinator.
Research of all Police & partner/agency databases & risk assessment made.
Monthly partnership meetings to review each case & to agree a joint action plan of activity.
Role of MARAC coordinator
To collate & research all information & intelligence held on each subject.
To maintain & circulate information to all agencies.
To liaise with all agencies & ensure agreed action takes place.
Action based
Review
Timescales
Responsibility
Accuracy
Volunteer
Referral Process
Who can refer ?
Consent
How ?
CAADA risk assessment
Who presents ?
Referral Process – A Plea
Victim Support Met Police
LBB DV Co-coordinator LBB Housing
Women’s Aid Social Services
Primary Care Trust CAFCASS
LBB Education Services SLFHA
Mental Health Authority Hyde Housing
Probation Service
Domestic Abuse Advocates
Broomleigh Housing
Continuous Improvement
London Mainstream Model.
Virtual Courts.
Women Achieving Together.
Body Worn Video Cameras.
Body Worn Video & DV
MPA response
Excellent partnership working.
Proactive work on the borough – Somali women’s group.
Development of new projects – DV text line & DV travel fund.
Inclusion of DV in LAA & stretching of targets.
“ The enthusiasm of all those present at the meeting was evident & demonstrated a genuine commitment to tackle domestic violence, which is undoubtedly at the heart of the borough’s success.”
MPA DV Scrutiny committee Nov 2008