Essex Police video tool marks over 1000 domestic abuse reports
It's used to help people report incidents without having to attend a station
Stronger evidence for cases of domestic abuse is being enforced as specially-trained police officers in Essex mark over 1,000 reports from victims of domestic abuse through Rapid Video Response (RVR) since March 2023.
The technology enables those who are needing to report incidents of domestic abuse to do it discreetly, without having to attend a police station or have officers visit them in a marked police car.
Feedback from people who used the victim-focused tool appreciated not being rushed and having the option to speak at home, as well as having the opportunity to speak with people quickly.
How does it work?
Call handlers check that the victim is in safe position to engage with the RVR Team through a video call.
They can take their accounts, provide safeguarding advice or make referrals, remotely collect evidence such as screenshots or photos of injuries, and create an investigation from the information they are able to collect.
Essex Police say the fast and efficient way of collecting evidence helps strengthen cases when they come to prosecute suspects of domestic abuse.
One person who reported their incident through RVR said:
“If it hadn’t been for this service, I may not have had the confidence and courage to say what I wanted to as I was reporting historic abuse and it had taken me a long time to speak to anyone.
“Because I was spoken to so quickly and it was dealt with all in the same day, I felt confident and listened to.”
Sergeant Robb Gifford of the RVR Team said:
“The service we offer in the team is focused on supporting victims of domestic abuse in their time of need.
“We have a team of police officers that are dedicated to dealing with domestic abuse incidents and have been trained to provide appropriate support and advice.
“Victims opting to use this service can be put through to a police officer on our team immediately and from the comfort of their own home or place of safety through a video consultation.
“The process is easy to navigate, does not require the victim to install any apps or software, and they will have the undivided attention of an officer who is there to listen, support and record any details required."