HMIC report into Hertfordshire Police's approach to tackling domestic abuse

Executive Summary

Tackling domestic abuse is a priority for the police and crime commissioner (PCC) and the chief constable of Hertfordshire Constabulary. Staff throughout the organisation take their role in keeping victims and their children safe very seriously.

Victims who are assessed as high risk (of serious harm or murder) receive support and safety planning from specialist officers. However, there is a disjointed approach to victim care and contact for medium and standard risk cases. This means that these victims may not get the level of service from police that they need and the risk posed to them may be missed.

The force has invested in enhanced domestic abuse training for a large number of staff but these staff are seldom used to deal with incidents of domestic abuse or asked for advice. This is a missed opportunity to deliver an improved service to victims.

There are some good examples of the force working in partnership with other agencies and the voluntary sector, for example the Sunflower Centres, to provide support for victims of domestic abuse. The multi-agency risk assessment conferences (MARACs) are regarded as well run and are well attended by all agencies.

This report outlines a number of areas where the force could further strengthen its response.

Read the full report here: http://www.hmic.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/hertfordshire-approach-to-tackling-domestic-abuse.pdf