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