Domestic abuse reporting pilot to be unveiled

By GARETH ROSE
Published on 05/02/2013 00:00

A NEW drive to encourage more victims to report domestic abuse will be unveiled by Police Scotland today.

In particular, a remote reporting pilot will be rolled out across the country, so women can speak to their local community centre or housing association, if they do not feel confident about going to the police.

Chief Constable Steve House will announce the plans during a speech to Scottish Women’s Aid annual conference in Edinburgh. Domestic Abuse Stops.

He is keen the new force improves dealing with domestic abuse, after it is launched in April.

He said: “Abusers come from all parts of society and all over Scotland and fear plays a big part in why victims are all too often reluctant to come forward.

“They often feel helpless and fear that no one will believe them.

“The Remote Reporting/Third Party sites, which have been so successful in parts of Scotland, give victims a chance to take control and decide when, where and to whom they take the first important step in reporting their abusers.

“By rolling out these sites across all of Scotland, we will give victims equal access to the specially trained officers who are able to give them the support they need, while vigorously pursuing those who cause such harm to victims.”

This has been welcomed by Scottish Women’s Aid.

Lily Greenan, manager, said: “We greatly welcome a robust police response. We are pleased to see the extension of remote reporting, which has proved beneficial to women in the pilot areas, and given them more of a sense of control.”