Wiltshire and Dorset forces working together to improve services

Wiltshire Police are working with Dorset as they look to improve services to victims of domestic abuse where the perpetrator is serving within policing.

The forces are aiming to maximise the confidence in those people reporting that the matter will be handled in a consistent and appropriate manner, independently of the alleged perpetrator's 'home Force'.

DCI Claire Smith, lead for VAWG for Wiltshire Police said "It is fact that there will be victims and perpetrators of domestic abuse within our Force.

"This new protocol for the handling of domestic abuse incidents when the alleged perpetrator of harm is serving within Wiltshire Police, including police officers, police staff and volunteers, will hopefully encourage more victims to come forward and have confidence in our investigation into their case.

"Recognising the complexities of abuse and understanding that it is silence which can allow perpetrators to continue causing harm, we are constantly seeking ways to remove barriers, along with our partners, to reporting so that positive action can be taken."

Superintendent Neil Wright, Dorset Police’s lead for Violence Against Woman and Girls (VAWG) as well as domestic abuse lead, said: “Domestic abuse remains a top priority for Dorset Police and we want all victims to have the confidence to report matters to us in the knowledge that they will be fully supported and perpetrators will be held to account.

“This new protocol for the handling of domestic abuse incidents when the alleged perpetrator of harm is employed by Dorset Police – whether an officer, police staff or volunteer – will hopefully encourage more victims to come forward.

"Recognising the complexities of abuse and understanding that it is silence that can allow perpetrators to continue causing harm, we are constantly seeking ways to remove barriers, along with our partners, to reporting so that positive action can be taken."