More violent partners will be taken to court (From Daily Echo)

Hampshire police launch new protocol to combat domestic abuse

1:40pm Wednesday 26th September 2012 in Crime

More violent partners will be taken to court

More violent people who abuse their partners will be taken to court – with or without evidence from their victims – under a new agreement between police and prosecutors in Hampshire.

A new protocol has been signed by Hampshire’s Chief Constable Alex Marshall and Chief Crown Prosecutor Nick Hawkins which aims to curb the number of repeat offences inflicted by violent partners.

Nearly a quarter of domestic abuse cases reported to police are from victims who have repeatedly been hurt by their partners.

Now the new measures will see particular focus on high risk cases to try and prevent people becoming victims again in the future.

Detective Chief Inspector Ben Snuggs said the aim was to cut the risk and to pursue convictions in the courts even without a victim agreeing to support the case.

Specialist officers from the public protection unit safeguarding team will also be used to visit victims and document evidence that could help bring a victimless prosecution.

Det Chief Insp Snuggs said: “We understand that victims are frequently most at risk from a coercive and controlling partner when they seek help, or try to end a relationship. Through this new, joint approach with the CPS we will make sure that victims are well supported, right from the moment they first call us to the conclusion of a trial. We will also prosecute cases wherever we can in order to help survivors of domestic abuse break the cycle of violence against them.

“Our message to victims of domestic abuse is that violence, threats of violence or other controlling behaviour, be it financial, emotional or sexual, is a crime and is unacceptable.”