Cops trained ahead of new domestic abuse offence
CITY cops will be trained to respond to the signs of coercive and controlling behaviours ahead of a new domestic abuse offence which will come into force next year.
They will be trained with officers across the country from today ahead of the introduction of the new controlling behaviours domestic abuse offence.
More than 14,000 officers and staff will be trained by SafeLives and specialist trainers, to help them recognise and effectively respond to the signs of coercive and controlling behaviours.
The Scottish Government has provided £825,000 to enable the training ahead of the implementation of the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2018 which will come into force in 2019.
Assistant Chief Constable Gillian MacDonald, lead for Crime and Protection, Police Scotland, said: “Coercive and controlling behaviours are a significant factor in most, if not all cases, of domestic abuse. Offenders will isolate their victim from family and friends, and will deliberately undermine their confidence and self-esteem in order to establish power and control. Domestic abuse victims have told us that this type of psychological abuse can be as bad as, if not worse, than the physical abuse.
“The training will tackle the many myths and misconceptions around domestic abuse that remain common in our communities across Scotland.
“It will ensure they have a fuller understanding of the dynamics of power and control in abusive relationships and they have the necessary skills to identify, evidence and take action against the people responsible for abusive behaviours – the perpetrators themselves.
“This programme has been designed to deliver a sustainable change, and will be supported by a team of around 1000 domestic abuse ‘champions’ working on the frontline to support officers and staff with the practical application of the legislation. It will also support the continuing improvement in our response and ensure officers and staff are sensitive to the needs of those experiencing domestic abuse.”
The training programme, Domestic Abuse Matters (Scotland), has been co-developed by Police Scotland and SafeLives, a UK charity committed to ending domestic abuse.
Over the next 18 months, officers and staff will complete the one day face-to-face training session along with an e-learning package. Almost all of Police Scotland’s officers and staff will complete an e-learning package to enhance their knowledge of the issue.
Every member of Police Scotland’s executive team will also participate in the bespoke training programme.