Kent's Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), Matthew Scott, emphasises that tackling violence against women and girls

Kent's Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), Matthew Scott, emphasises that tackling violence against women and girls, with a focus on domestic abuse (DA), is a priority in Kent's Police and Crime Plan. In the previous year, the Kent force control room received over 40,000 DA-related calls, highlighting the critical need for effective interventions.

To enhance support for DA victims, several initiatives have been introduced:

• Proactive Domestic Abuse Teams: These specialized units target high-risk offenders using various tactics and collaborate with partners to manage offender behaviour through diversion, arrest, or control. They also identify and refer suitable individuals to a bespoke perpetrator program funded by the PCC's office. This program offers a 10-12 week rehabilitation course, either one-on-one or in group settings, and currently works with 40 referrals.

• Domestic Abuse Hub: Operating daily from 8 am to 10 pm, the hub utilizes video technology and telephony to virtually respond to non-immediate DA calls, with the caller's consent. Victims can communicate with officers via video or phone for immediate evidence collection and risk assessment. The hub also directs victims to appropriate support services and manages the Right to Ask, Right to Know processes, known as Clare's Law.

• Domestic Abuse Liaison Officers (DALO): A pilot program in Medway introduces specialist officers to provide consistent and coordinated support to safeguard high-risk victims. The pilot will be evaluated before potential expansion across Kent.

• Enhanced Training: Kent Police has refreshed its training programs to ensure officers and staff can identify and respond effectively to DA from the outset of their careers. A week-long specialist training program for investigators has been introduced, along with a dedicated vulnerability faculty as part of the Crime Academy. Since January, masterclasses on coercive and controlling behaviour, stalking, domestic homicide, and honour-based abuse have been conducted.

• Independent Domestic Violence Advisers (IDVA) Services: The PCC commissions a comprehensive range of victim support services, including IDVAs. These services encompass counselling, tailored support for children and young people, therapeutic services for families affected by DA, and specialized support for male victims.

These initiatives reflect Kent's commitment to transforming DA response and ensuring victims receive first-class support.

Home - Domestic Abuse Commissioner