Domestic abuse victims urged to seek police help

A Bath police officer has said lockdown has made it harder for domestic abuse victims to speak out.

Jon Raisey is the neighbourhood sergeant for Bath and he says the force deals with calls relating to domestic abuse every day.

He said it was very important victims knew they could leave their homes under lockdown rules to get to safety.

He said: “We’re very aware of domestic abuse calls and receive many.

“We were expecting it to be higher over lockdown but it probably hasn’t changed a great deal in what gets reported but it’s still happening a lot.

“People can adapt badly to lockdown and are committing domestic abuse, we see it every day across the station.”

Sgt Raisey continued: “Because of the nature of the crime and circumstances, it’s very hard for people to come forward and report it in a lockdown.

“It’s especially hard because people can’t talk to their GP, a friend, a colleague about what is happening.

“The clear government advice is one of the reasons people can leave their homes if you are in physical danger. It’s important that people go to people they trust, the police, their GP, a friend and do not suffer in silence.”

How to report domestic abuse to the police

If you are a victim of domestic abuse or know someone who is, report it to the police:

■ by phone - call 101;

■ in person - visit a police station;

■ online - complete report a crime or incident form;

■ call 999 if you are in immediate danger and wait in a safe place for the police to arrive;

■ if it is not safe to speak, call 999 and press ‘55’ - this will alert the phone operator that you are in need of assistance but cannot talk.

Can I find out if someone has been violent before?

Under the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (known as Clare’s Law), the police can disclose information about someone’s history of domestic violence or violent acts.

You can make a request for information if you have concerns about your partner, or you are worried that someone you know may be in a relationship with a previously abusive partner.

To make a request, visit a police station or contact police on 101.

What happens after you report domestic abuse?

If you feel ready and wish to report abuse as a crime, the police will attend and investigate and as a result will potentially have several options available to them for dealing with your case.

This may include issuing a Domestic Violence Protection Notice (DVPN) and a Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO).

Both processes give breathing space to victims by granting a temporary break from their abuser, allowing them to get support.

You can find out more on the police website at: www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/report/domestic-abuse.