South Yorkshire Police step up efforts to tackle domestic abuse

Efforts to tackle domestic abuse in South Yorkshire have been stepped up with a new training programme rolled out for police and partners.
South Yorkshire Police has launched a new training programme for staff and officers on how to deal with domestic abuseSouth Yorkshire Police has launched a new training programme for staff and officers on how to deal with domestic abuse
South Yorkshire Police has launched a new training programme for staff and officers on how to deal with domestic abuse

South Yorkshire Police officers and staff are to complete a new training programme with UK charity SafeLives, to enhance the force’s response to domestic abuse and strengthen the support provided for victims.

Domestic Abuse Matters will be rolled out to 1,800 officers, staff members and partner agencies.Superintendent Shelley Hemsley, of South Yorkshire Police, said: “We already have a solid approach in place and our teams are securing very positive investigative outcomes in lots of cases, but we’re always looking for ways to enhance and improve what we do.

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“This training is being delivered to our first responders, officers and staff who come into direct contact with victims and perpetrators of abuse every single day.

“It is important that throughout their career we continue to inspire and empower them to provide the best possible service for victims that they can.”

The programme looks at coercive control, controlling behaviour and emotional abuse and explores how early intervention can make a difference.

Supt Hemsley added: “It has been well-publicised that police forces are concerned about the impact Covid-19 has had on those who may be in abusive relationships, this training can only serve to improve our response and will hopefully help protect more people.

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“Coercive control is a theme that we are seeing emerge more and more and it’s vital that we’re supporting victims of this type of abuse. Often controlling behaviour is harder to identify and goes under-reported, that needs to change; emotional abuse is not a normal part of a relationship.”

A SafeLives spokesperson added: “The police play a vital role in the response to domestic abuse. We know that currently only one in five victims of domestic abuse call the police – we need to see those numbers rising, and we need to ensure that victims and whole families are getting the response they need when they do reach out for support.

“With this training, South Yorkshire Police will be able to see the whole picture for victims and families experiencing harm – helping them become safe, sooner, and holding perpetrators to account.”