Police launch new additional way for victims of domestic abuse to have contact with officers

Gloucestershire Police has launched a new additional way for victims of domestic abuse to have contact with officers.

After making a report to police, victims will now have the choice to either see an officer in person, or, if it is deemed safe to do so, they can now contact police and provide information through a video call from a location of their choice.

Rapid Video Response (RVR) is a victim-focused approach to reports of domestic abuse which uses technology to allow a victim to speak to officers.

Officers will gather information about the caller and any children, provide safeguarding advice, signpost to victim support services, put safeguarding measures in place and offer advice and support. Victims receive the same service as they would if an officer attended in-person, but without any delay.

The approach is already used by a number of police forces in England and colleagues have noted successes.

The initiative uses GoodSAM, a video software which is used widely by police forces, and allows specially trained officers to speak with the victim, record offences and capture evidence providing a virtual frontline response.

An initial report to police would still need to be made by someone calling 999 in an emergency, or 101 for non-emergencies. A call handler will then take details and assess whether officers need to attend immediately due to a threat, or whether an officer can visit within a few hours if there is no ongoing threat.

If there is no immediate threat from a suspect and following a risk assessment, victims will now be offered the choice of an officer to attend in person, or an RVR video call.

This is a crucial element and anyone who is in danger will still receive an in-person response from officers.

As part of the process a link will be sent directly to the victim’s phone or suitable internet enabled device (tablet/laptop) allowing an officer to carry out the RVR call. During this call the officer will do the following:

• Speak directly with the victim to take an account of what has happened
• Record any criminal offences and risk assessments
• Provide immediate safeguarding advice and/or make relevant referrals on behalf of the victim
• Collect all available evidence such as screenshots, CCTV footage, or photographs
• Commence an investigation using the information collected

This process ensures an officer is in contact with the victim from start to finish and that evidence can be collected as quickly as possible after an incident report is made.

The new additional reporting service was launched yesterday, Monday 31 March, with more officers being trained up on the system in due course.

Deputy Chief Constable Katy Barrow-Grint said: "I am really pleased that we are able to introduce Rapid Video Response (RVR).

"We know it improves the victim journey in relation to the speed of the police response, expedites our ability to safeguard victims to reduce risk and allows us to capture evidence faster.  

"We hope those who have an abusive partner or relative feel confident to talk to the police through RVR if they wish to use this service, and together we can then make decisions about the best way forward to protect them and their families."

Chris Nelson, Police and Crime Commissioner added: "I have always been a huge supporter of this technology. It allows officers to provide an immediate service to victims who might otherwise have to wait hours before a response officer could attend in-person.

"So long as a victim is safe, a face to face video conversation can make an important initial assessment of the incident, helps to keep the victim engaged in the ongoing investigation, and also has the benefit of being more discreet and sensitive than a police car and uniformed officers visiting the victim’s home. However, rightly, if a victim was at risk of imminent harm, they will, and I would expect, urgent police attendance to keep them safe and deal with the perpetrator.

"Tackling male violence against women and girls remains one of my priorities in my new Police and Crime Prevention Plan. Too many people experience domestic abuse and sexual violence on a daily basis in Gloucestershire and I hope that my Office, the Constabulary and our partners can continue to adapt and improve its service to victims."

Professional support is available for anyone who has an abusive partner – you can contact Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Support Service on 01452 726 570 or email: [email protected]. More information is also available on their website: https://www.gdass.org.uk/

To report a domestic abuse related incident call police on the non-emergency number 101. In an emergency, or if the incident is ongoing, always call 999.

The Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme gives any member of the public the right to ask the police if their partner may pose a risk to them. It is often called 'Clare's Law' after the landmark case that led to it.

This scheme also allows a member of the public to make an enquiry into the partner of a close friend or family member. For more information on this visit: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/daa/domestic-abuse/alpha2/request-information-under-clares-law/

Members of the Rapid Video Response team