Police Officers of all ranks in Cumbria will receive ‘Language Matters’ training to combat victim-blaming vocabulary, with a focus on Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG).
The training will tackle negative language that may minimise the abuse or sympathise with perpetrators. The aim is to ensure victims feel supported and cases are progressed fairly.
Funded by Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (Commissioner), David Allen, Cumbria Constabulary will be the fourth Force to pro-actively address language concerns and focus on non-blaming communication in the UK.
Dr. Patricia Canning-Pask, Assistant Professor in the Department Humanities at Northumbria University and an applied linguist specialising in forensic texts and contexts will deliver the training. Her work includes the investigation and analysis of police reporting, including the placing of and deflection of blame through individual and institutional language choices.
The training will cover all crime types with a focus on domestic abuse and sexual violence which disproportionately affect women and girls.
Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, David Allen, said: “It is so important that officers understand the impact of their words on victims and survivors and how they can influence case progression through language used in investigation logs and reporting.
“The last thing any officer wants is to make a victim feel unsupported and not heard in their hour of need – this training will provide officers with the knowledge on how to best support those who need them, no matter the crime whilst reporting in an honest manner.
“We know that victim blaming language can create barriers between victims and support services, including a reluctance to report or engage after a report has been made. I’m determined to break these barriers in Cumbria to ensure that victims and survivors get the support they need from the Police and that Officers have the right knowledge, information and skills to handle these investigations correctly.
“Using the correct language redirects the attention, rightly, back to the perpetrator to take ownership and be accountable for their actions – no one deserves to feel shamed for a crime that has been committed against them.
“I will also be taking part in one of the training sessions as anyone can improve how they address others.
“This is an incredibly positive step forward for Police and all victims and survivors.”
Detective Chief Superintendent David Ashton, Cumbria Constabulary, said: “We fully welcome the Language Matters training for our officers and staff.
“This programme strengthens our commitment to victim-focused policing by enhancing how we communicate in sensitive and challenging situations.
“Building on practical insights, Language Matters ensures our teams are equipped to offer clear, respectful and inclusive support to those affected by crime and anti-social behaviour.
“Effective communication is fundamental to building trust, and this training will help officers and staff respond with empathy and continued professionalism across all areas of policing.”
Dr. Patricia Canning-Pask, said: "How language is used in policing cannot be underestimated, especially when responding to and investigating domestic abuse.
“The training has been designed to encourage officers to understand the impact on victims and case outcomes of what they say and how they say it, whether in person, on the phone, or in case file reports.
“Language really can make that difference and can improve routes to justice for victims and survivors."
Julie Ross, Engagement and Partnership Officer, for Victim Support said: “Victim Support welcomes the initiative by Cumbria police to provide officers with training aimed at tackling victim-blaming language.
“This is a vital step towards ensuring that all victims of crime are treated with empathy, respect, and understanding from the very first point of contact.
“Language matters, and by addressing harmful stereotypes and shifting the focus away from victims, this training will help build trust and encourage more people to come forward and seek the support they deserve.
“Every victim has the right to be heard and believed, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact this training will have across Cumbria.”