1. “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

2. 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

3. 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.

4. 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.

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

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

7. 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

8. Communities working together Operation SCOOP “Easter campaign”
Offenders (Scoop up offenders) –
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) –
Engage with MARAC coordinator and risk assess contact
Joint operation with partnerships to provide Easter Eggs
Menu of distribution
Refuge, PPU, NHT

9. 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!

10. 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

11. 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..