The New Year could be looking a little brighter for victims of domestic abuse as Dorset and Hampshire Police are amongst three forces in the South West – the other one is Wiltshire – to have committed to a joint three-year action plan.

While the three forces have all been working on improvements since 2019, the step change is the adoption of an end-to-end approach with the Criminal Justice Process at its core.

The collective aim of the police and CPS Wessex is to increase public confidence in reporting domestic abuse by removing sticking points at every stage in the process. This starts with the initial response and investigation of reports, through building strong cases and seeing them over the line, bringing offenders to justice or into programmes that reduce re-offending.

Above all, police and CPS Wessex will support victims at every stage of the process in order to reduce the disparity between the number of reports received and those going to court.

Kate Anderson, CPS Wessex deputy chief crown prosecutor, said: “Tackling domestic abuse through effective investigation and prosecution is a top priority for the police and CPS Wessex. Collectively, we want to make sure victims have the confidence to come forward and report their experiences, safe in the knowledge that our agencies will do everything they can, both to support them and to pursue the abuser.

“We recognise the devastating impact of domestic abuse on the course of a victim’s life, their experiences and their future and we want those affected to be able to access justice. It is central to the aim of this joint action plan that we will prioritise these investigations and prosecutions to bring more offenders to justice, and to help protect victims and local communities from further harm.”

Nationally, there are 2.4 million victims of domestic abuse a year. The action plan aims to leave no one behind, recognising the harm that an environment of domestic abuse can also do to children and the wider families of victims and perpetrators.

The action plan will be measured against indicators such as arrest rates, charge and conviction rates, and the use of protection orders. An important part is the reduction in cases which do not progress due to evidential difficulties or because the victim does not wish to proceed.

ACC Craig Dibdin, Hampshire Constabulary, said: “We are committed to improving our knowledge and awareness of domestic abuse across the force to ensure we can provide the best service and support to our communities. During the worldwide 16 days of Action campaign, we have been promoting help and resources available for victims of domestic abuse and perpetrators from the police, CPS and other criminal justice partners across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

“Officers have run community events with our partners to raise awareness of domestic abuse, coercive and controlling behaviour and stalking to encourage victims to report these crimes.

“Of course, identifying offenders and protecting those who need our help will not stop after the 16 Days of Action and we will continue to prioritise perpetrators of violence towards women. The Tri-Force DA Strategy demonstrates 365 days of action every year, working with partners as we recognise that major societal and cultural changes like this requires not just the police, but support across all sectors.”

ACC Steve Lyne, Dorset Police, said: “Dorset Police has pursued a commitment to improving outcomes for all victims of domestic abuse for some time now, with extensive training, in particular in partnership with Safelives, for officers and staff. Now, working together with the CPS and fellow police forces, we are pleased to commit to the Tri Force action plan to make further improvements. The fundamental approach of putting victims at the heart of what we do and relentless pursuit of perpetrators from end-to-end within the Criminal Justice System will contribute greatly to safeguarding more victims and bringing more perpetrators to justice.

“While the police bringing offenders to justice in order to keep victims safe is a key part to our response, the overall solution requires a broader joint approach. This Action Plan covers the use of protections orders and the diversion of perpetrators into programmes to help prevent re-offending, and so prevention as well as cure is also a key element. Ultimately, it is a prime opportunity to reduce the disparity between reported domestic abuse and those cases that make it to court or other positive outcomes.”

Recently all three forces promoted domestic abuse awareness, through 16 Days of Action which, under a variety of names, took place around the globe. However, policing of domestic abuse does not end with 16 Days and Wiltshire, Hampshire and Dorset police forces and CPS Wessex will continue to work together to deliver the three year action plan, and beyond, to safeguard all victims of domestic abuse.

The Tri-Force Action Plan on Domestic Abuse is supported by the Police and Crime Commissioners of Wiltshire, Dorset, and Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, who have all committed to reducing violence against women and girls and to improving outcomes for victims of domestic abuse and other crimes in their respective force areas.

Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, Donna Jones, said: “Domestic abuse and violence in the home is an epidemic. It affects children as well as adults and the effects are devastating and lasting. Families are being torn apart, whilst living under the same roof.

“As the national lead for victims I am committed to driving change through the public sector to prevent domestic abuse and stop the harm. No one public service can do this on their own and, of one thing I am certain, the police cannot arrest their way out of this issue. Midwifes, health visitors, GPs, teachers, neighbours, employers, we all need to be looking out for the signs and helping to reduce trauma in the home including adverse childhood experiences.

“This is how Britain will end the epidemic of domestic abuse and save the next generation.”

David Sidwick, police and crime commissioner for Dorset, said: “This collaboration between the three police forces and the Crown Prosecution Service fits well with my vision for more effective joined-up ways of working in future policing. This shared determination will ensure both victims and perpetrators of domestic abuse are better served, protected, and supported by the criminal justice system.

“This joined up way of working fits well with my ambition and the priorities set out in my Police & Crime Plan. I am determined to work even more effectively with policing colleagues, to design, develop and deliver better victim-focussed police services for those at greatest risk. I am extremely pleased to support this joint commitment to better safeguard and support victims of violent crime at each stage of the criminal justice process.

“Collaborations of this type are important for future policing as police forces alone do not have the resources to effectively tackle and prevent these hideous crimes, however when they combine their capabilities and specialisms with equally committed and hard-working strategic partners, I believe they can help make very real change and improvement happen.”