Domestic abuse figures lower this year compared to last.
Bedfordshire Police reveal latest figures from accountability meeting.
To date this year, Bedfordshire Police has had 4,612 cases of domestic abuse compared to 4,918 this time last year; It is also believed that from this year’s figure, 3,431 of them had a child in the home.
The statistics were discussed during the latest police and crime commissioner (PCC) and chief constable accountability meeting on November 20.
The chief constable, Trevor Rodenhurst, told the PCC that domestic abuse is a serious problem nationally.
“Hence we put a lot of resources into domestic abuse and not just to investigate the crimes, but also to look at really focusing on those that might be repeat offenders, in servicing Clare’s Law, etc.,” he said.
Clare’s Law gives several ways for police officers to disclose a person’s history of abusive behaviour to those who may be at risk from such behaviour. This is intended to reduce intimate partner violence.
PCC Festus Akinbusoye asked about the processes followed when a child is involved in these cases.
The chief said:
“We always seek to put in support to the victims of these crimes and we have victim engagement officers – specialists to support these families.”
He explained that a risk assessment is conducted and there are referrals to a multi-agency safeguarding hub.
The PCC said these figures were “very upsetting” and that he was ‘keen’ to do more to support children affected.
Women being abused can call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by Refuge, on 0808 2000 247 for free at any time, day or night