Victims of domestic abuse will receive instant support during reporting as pilot sits experts in Cumbria Police’s call centre with call handlers – the first of its kind in Cumbria.
Through 999 and 101 calls, those reporting domestic abuse any time between Thursday to Sunday, 4pm – midnight will have access to direct support and advice from one of Victim Support’s Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVAs). The pilot will run over the next 12 months.
With their expertise and knowledge, the IDVAs can identify when a caller is in crisis and work alongside the call handlers to identify what information is most important in that moment. As well as receiving direct support at the moment of reporting, if the caller agrees, Victim Support will contact victims after the call to provide additional, tailored support to help the individual cope and recover from their experiences.
The pilot was initiated and funded by Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, David Allen.
Speaking on the pilot, he said: “Supporting victims is at the heart of what we do in Cumbria Police which is why this pilot is so important. I want victims and survivors supported from the moment they report to the Police and ring the force control room until they feel they no longer need aid.
“This is an absolutely fantastic and much needed opportunity to provide those in need of help with much more understanding and appropriate support – not just logging and responding to a crime. It provides an opportunity to do more than just respond from a police perspective and will enable better safeguarding and also allow the police to be able to do their jobs in a more coordinated manner.
“Prior to my election last year and since in my time as Commissioner, I have repeatedly pledged to reduce violence against women and girls. This links in with the Government’s mission to half it over the next nine years and I am determined to deliver on this.
“The IDVAs are highly trained experts in recognising the signs of abuse and identifying how best to support an individual in their moment of need.
“Domestic abuse can have an incredibly traumatic impact on victims and survivors so providing advice and long-term help immediately can only be a positive. I hope it also encourages others to report to the Police.
“Having domestic abuse experts in the Constabulary’s Force Control Room providing real-time support and advice to those who need it, including the call handlers, will be invaluable. It will bring a different perspective and understanding of what victims and survivors of domestic abuse are going through in real time and will, I am convinced, lead to a better, more victim focused approach and delivery by the Constabulary.
“Given that 16.9% of reports to the police relate to domestic abuse I see this as not only something that is good to do, but it is something that we must do.
“I look forward to seeing how pilot progresses and I hope those who get support can see a difference.
“I would encourage anyone who is experiencing domestic abuse to report it to the Police. However, I understand that this isn’t an option for everyone and there are other means by which to do so.
“Victims of crime are front and centre of everything I do as your Commissioner, which is why I commission Victim Support Cumbria to provide support, whether they report to Police or not. If you have experienced crime and would like support without speaking to the Police, you can contact Victim Support on 0300 303 0157.
“Please do not suffer in silence – we are here to help so please reach out.”
Sarah Place, Senior Operations Manager, said: “Victim Support Cumbria are extremely excited & looking forward to embedding Independent Domestic Violence advisors within Cumbria Constabulary’s call room & dispatch centres.
“Our IDVAs are independent from the Police & other statutory services, trained to a very high standard to provide trauma informed support/advice & crisis response to victims & survivors. We are proud to be accredited by Safe Lives & hold our Leading Lights quality standards accreditation.
“We are able to explore current risks, alongside any required immediate safety planning and information provision.
“They are also able to explain the services we provide across Cumbria & arrange access to them, including offers of support to those who cause harm and may wish to change their behaviours & any children or young people who have witnessed, suffered or experienced domestic abuse within the home.
“If you contact the Police over a weekend and want to speak to an IDVA, please do not hesitate to ask.
“We look forward to working in collaboration with Cumbria Constabulary to ensure the support & advice offered to victims & survivors of domestic abuse is safe, consistent and offered at a time that a victim or survivor needs it most.”
Detective Superintendent Matt Scott, Cumbria Constabulary’s Public Protection Unit, said:
“Domestic abuse is a serious and complex crime that can have a devastating impact on survivors and their families. We are committed to ensuring that those who reach out for help receive the right support at the right time.
“By embedding Independent Domestic Violence Advisors directly into our control room, we are strengthening our frontline response and ensuring victims receive expert guidance from the moment they make contact with us.
“This pilot is a significant step forward in our efforts to protect vulnerable people and improve outcomes for those affected by domestic abuse.”
Victim Support Cumbria supports victims of crime, whether they report to Police or not. If you have experienced crime and would like support, you can contact Victim Support on 0300 303 0157.
If you wish to report to police you can do so online at Report a crime | Cumbria Police. You can also phone on 101. Always phone 999 in an emergency or if a crime is in progress.