“Working together to stop domestic abuse across West Midlands Police “Working together to stop domestic abuse across Diverse Communities” How we can work together to support communities and leave a legacy DI Jennifer Pearson Domestic Abuse Team manager for Walsall Jennifer.pearson@west-midlands.pnn.police.uk

Introduction What is Domestic Abuse? Where is my safe place? Salon Saviours Business Saviours How can communities work together? Blind Victim case study Learning from experience 2017 and beyond

Definition of Domestic Abuse ‘any incident of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse (psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional) between adults, aged 16 years or over, who are or have been intimate partners or family members, regardless of gender and sexuality’ In April 2007 Mr. Brian MOORE (Chief Constable of Wiltshire Police and ACPO lead for Domestic Abuse) decreed that ‘Domestic Violence’ be referred to as ‘Domestic Abuse’ which was felt to be more appropriate, wide-ranging and relevant. * ‘Family member’ is defined as - mother, father, son, daughter, sister, brother, and grandparents, whether directly related, in laws or step-family. * Any violence within the family resulting in an assault on a child (person under the age of 18 years) must be dealt with in accordance with child protection policy.

Police and Partner Priorities To protect the lives of adults and children who are at risk as a result of domestic abuse. To support victims of Domestic Abuse – irrespective of whether there will be criminal justice outcomes To adopt a multi-agency approach in preventing and reducing domestic abuse To investigate all reports of domestic abuse. To bring those who abuse others to justice Priorities obtained from NPIA/ACPO guidance on Investigating Domestic abuse 2008. Priority 1 – reduce Domestic Homicides. Priority 2 – includes ethical crime reporting of all incidents where a crime has occurred. Arresting suspected offenders where powers exist. Priority 3 – Take positive action and work with CPS to ensure successful prosecution. Priority 4 – Referrals to partner agencies, attendance at MARAC’s, information sharing and working towards multi-agency sites (for some areas). REMEMBER - Domestic Abuse is a vastly under reported crime for all victims, be they men or woman in hetero-sexual, lesbian, gay, bi-sexual or transgender (LGBT) relationships, as well as the abuse of older persons by relatives. The secrecy and shame surrounding the issue means the full extent of the problem cannot be fully appreciated.

Domestic Abuse – What is your safe place? From abuse to your safe place.. Helping you find it….

Why Salon Saviours? Visible injury Fear Depression Low self-esteem Isolation No money Hairdressers stepped forward and embraced the challenge to help others…

Business Saviours Walsall Active Citizens Hairdressers Beauty salons Coffee shops Barbers Banks Chemist Bars Supermarkets Gyms Florist Places of worship Driving schools So much wider than Salon Saviours – Businesses for staff and customers finding bespoke pathways to make victims safe

Communities working together Operation SCOOP “Easter campaign” Offenders (Scoop up offenders) 29.2.16 – 04.04.16 Vision – To arrest offenders of domestic abuse Values – Do the best by our victims of domestic abuse Ambition – To work smarter and reduce repeat offenders by focusing on the problem Victims/Families (Safeguard) 14.03.16 – 21.03.16 Engage with MARAC coordinator and risk assess contact Joint operation with partnerships to provide Easter Eggs Menu of distribution Refuge, PPU, NHT

Case Study – Blind Victim Female victim Reported via support worker Children in care Domestic and substance abuse Challenges to communicate to victim On-going support a challenge Feedback – could be better!

Learning from experience 999 and 101 Manchester Police – NDA live link Different Apps Live links to WMP Websites Understanding our communities Linking in with local groups ‘Active Citizens’ What do you want? Talking Newspaper

2017 and beyond….. Demographics Safe places in your community Voluntary sector Public Services courses Bespoke packs Wider groups Signposting Bespoke design Business Saviour!! 2017 and beyond how to make the public can work together to bid for resources and untimely intervene early and improve the lives of everyone effected..

Jennifer.pearson@west-midlands.pnn.police.uk