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Few NI teens know about coercive control, study shows

British regional flag of Northern Ireland

Fewer than one-in-six of 16-year-olds surveyed in Northern Ireland – 325 of 2,069 – had heard of coercive control and knew what it meant, according to research findings. To gauge young people’s understanding of a behaviour which became a criminal offence in the province last year, Ulster University, Queen’s University Belfast and the Northern Health […]

Met chief apologies after officer admits DA-related offences

Glasgow Police At An Incident

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley has apologised to PC David Carrick’s victims and “all of the women across London who feel we’ve let them down.” His comments came after PC Carrick appeared at Southwark Crown Court and admitted false imprisonment, indecent assault and four counts of rape. At a previous Old Bailey hearing he […]

Scottish police can improve response to DA, says inspector

Flag of Scotland - also known as St Andrew's Cross or the Saltire, is the national flag of Scotland.

Though Police Scotland has done much to improve the way it handles domestic abuse cases, more can be done to improve its services, according to the Chief Inspector of Constabulary, Craig Naylor. The force is committed to making improvements. Police Scotland has a proactive approach to tackling the most persistent offenders, comprehensive training has been […]

Domestic abusers sentenced to more than 200 years in jail

Thirty-two domestic abusers are serving a combined 215 years in prison following investigations led by Police Scotland’s Domestic Abuse Task Force since 1 April. Individual sentences range from 18 months to 15 years. “Behind the numbers are victims who have lived in fear and with the trauma of domestic abuse, sometimes for many years, before […]

Survivors’ changing attitude behind rise in DA reports, says police chief

British regional flag of Northern Ireland

Provisional figures show more than 2,000 domestic abuse incidents were reported in police in Northern Ireland between 17 November and 19 December, a 40% increase on the year-ago period. Arrests increased by around a tenth to about 500. Chief superintendent Davy Beck of the Police Service of Northern Ireland attributed the rise to growing confidence […]

New guidance issued to PCCs on handling perpetrators

The Westminster government has published seven guidelines to help police and crime commissioners (PCCs) in England and Wales ensure effective interventions with domestic abuse perpetrators. Up to £36m has also been allocated to the work. The guidance is based on the need for interventions to be conducted at the right time by highly skilled staff. […]

Respect’s CEO recognised in New Year’s honours list

Jo Todd, CEO of Respect, has received a CBE in recognition of her services to victims of domestic abuse over 30 years. Starting out in survivor-support organisations, she later shifted her focus to addressing the root cause of domestic abuse: perpetrators. As a result she was among founder members of an organisation around the year […]

Government grants money for domestic abuse support

Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament at Sunset, Westminster, London, UK

The Westminster government has allocated £257m for English councils spread over the next two years to ensure refuges and other safe accommodation can provide vital support to domestic abuse survivors. The help will include counselling, assistance with rehousing, financial advice and play therapy for children impacted by domestic abuse. The funding follows the introduction of […]

Men abused by false claims, says charity

British regional flag of Northern Ireland

Men are sometimes forced to stay in abusive relationships because their partner has threatened to make false allegations against them if they leave, according to Rhonda Lusty of the Men’s Advisory Project. Threats can include wrongfully accusing them of domestic violence or child abuse. Threatening to make false allegations to stop a partner ending a […]

Incoming chief constable hails force’s DA progress

Danger on the street. Blue flasher on the police car at night.

Thames Valley Police now has one of the country’s highest arrest rates for domestic abuse-related offences three years after the force’s short comings were highlighted by the inspectorate of constabulary, according to Jason Hogg who becomes chief constable in April. “It was never in the report, but the inspectors told us informally that they identified […]