Matthew Ellis, Police and Crime Commissioner for Staffordshire today voiced his support for Government plans to introduce a new crime of domestic abuse that is being considered by ministers. If introduced the new law could cover major psychological abuse such as threatening a partner with violence, cutting them off from friends and family or refusing them access to money in order to limit their freedom.
The PCC’s Strategy on Domestic Violence, published over six months ago, set out tackling domestic violence as a priority for policing and other services and work is already underway through new investment and improved systems that will see all victims of any crime in Staffordshire offered better specialist support.
Matthew Ellis said: “Domestic abuse is not just physical; the emotional and psychological harm inflicted by a partner in a relationship can be just as damaging and in many cases leads on to physical violence.
“A new law making this a criminal offence would give police more powers, confidence to more victims to come forward sooner and send a clear message to offenders that their behaviour was criminal.
“Tackling domestic violence and putting the victim first is top priority here in Staffordshire. But the best support for victims is intervening early and stopping the harm from happening in the first place. This law would be a vital step forward for victims.”
Services across Staffordshire, including the police, are in the midst of complex work to ensure better services and support for victims of domestic abuse is delivered in a more coordinated rather than dislocated way. By embarking upon a cross cutting, cross agencies piece of work called Intelligent Justice victims and offenders of domestic violence could be in court sooner and justice could be better, faster. At the moment victims can wait eight weeks before their case goes to court meaning they often decide not to proceed. The process can also be more traumatic than it needs to be for victims and witnesses generally for the same reason.
Other moves in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent will see businesses across the area soon able to sign-up to a new programme that offers a lifeline to workers who suffer abuse at home.
From autumn this year, organisations can sign-up to the scheme – at no cost to themselves – and commit to taking steps to support staff in abusive relationships and make sure victims are aware that help is available. Managers will be encouraged to spot tell-tale signs of abuse and give practical and confidential guidance to staff. The PCC will fund specialist training for a nominated individual from each business that signs up.
