Nick Alston Responds to HMIC Report

After the HMIC report on domestic violence was released yesterday, the PCC comments:

“Domestic abuse is an absolute priority,” starts Nick Alston.

“Every day, Essex Police deal with over 80 incidents of domestic abuse. Whilst real progress has been made over the past 12 months, nevertheless the HMIC report shows that more work needs to be done to ensure that victims of domestic abuse are identified earlier and kept safe from harm.

“I have made domestic abuse one of my key priorities within the Police Crime Plan and it will remain there for the year ahead. I chair the pan-Essex Domestic Abuse Strategy Board, which is leading on an ambitious programme of work across police, social care, health and the voluntary sector to tackle domestic abuse through a co-ordinated and joined up approach.

“Partnership working is essential to improving the services we offer to victims of domestic abuse, as well as the interventions delivered to perpetrators. I am encouraged that through our new multiagency hubs, there is already a better sharing of information across agencies to ensure that those who are victims of domestic abuse, and those who are at risk, have support packages in place to help keep them safe.

“I am determined to place victims at the centre of all of our work to tackle domestic abuse. This includes the children of domestic abuse victims, who often witness domestic abuse and need our support to help them cope and recover.

“I will ensure that Essex Police’s response to the HMIC report recommendations remains at the centre of my scrutiny programme over the coming year, and I will hold the chief constable to account for delivery.

“Right across Essex, Southend and Thurrock I will continue to encourage victims of domestic abuse to come forward and report cases to Essex Police. I want to ensure that all victims of domestic abuse get the service and support that they deserve every step of the way.”