PEOPLE IN CRISIS

You may be in a domestic abusive relationship if:

• You are frightened, or feel responsible for your partner's temper or behaviour
• You make decisions according to what your partner wants or how they will react
• Your partner has called you names, degraded or humiliated you privately or publicly
• Your partner has prevented you from getting/maintaining a job, participating in control of mutual resources, or restricting you access to your money
• You have been forced to have sex or been caused pain sexually without your consent

Reporting Domestic Violence to the Police

What treatment should members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities expect when they report an incident to the Police?

When dealing with Domestic Violence the primary concern of the police is the protection of the victim from further abuse. This objective is supported by the secondary aim which is to hold the offender accountable through the criminal justice system following a thorough investigation.
Throughout the Police Service there are clear policies and guidelines that govern the investigation of Domestic Violence. The highest of standards are demanded and Investigating Officers are trained to recognise and identify the types of abuse that occur within all relationships including those with same sex partners. We strive to ensure that all victims are treated with sensitivity and respect, regardless of gender or sexuality. The avoidance of stereotypical assumptions about victims, perpetrators, residence and responsibilities relating to children is crucial to our delivery of this service.

What do you do if you do not get the treatment that you expect, from the Police?

Assistant Chief Constable Jim Gamble states, "I am passionately committed to ensuring that the highest standards of service are delivered to all members of the community and that each victim is treated according to their needs.
If members of the gay, lesbian and transgender communities believe that these standards are not met I would urge them to report this though the formal complaint procedure that exists within each force. I would also ask that they fill in the confidential form on the website. This will then be passed on to myself and whilst I am unable to deal with individual complaints this information will enable me, where necessary, to effect change within the police service."