To think that at times the attitude of Police and CPS re domestic violence is despicable?

[Scarletohello]

Ok without wishing to rehash the events of last night I just have to say this...

A woman who has been threaded by her partner with a hammer.

Police tell her she ' reaps what she sows' because she was intimidated into dropping charges on a previous assault.

Charges are dropped by CPS as they have determined she will ' not make a credible witness'

Alleged perpetrator is then free to go, leaving victim terrified, hence the events of last night....

Since 2 women every week are killed by a current/ former partner, and there have been many cases where a woman has repeatedly asked for help and not been taken seriously, that it is time that the criminal justice agencies were properly trained in domestic violence awareness, understood the real risks women faced, and made decisions with regard to the safety of the fucking victim..?!

2 different relationships, 15 years worth of abuse, 2 different areas of the country if that makes a difference. Police were called not on every single incident but were called multiple times. It's very frustrating, but I guess there has to be enough evidence to prosecute.

I've got to say in my experience the police were the best agency - had input from, social work, domestic abuse service, health - many different areas and voluntary agencies and the police were the most supportive of them all. I'm in Scotland, so aware Police Scotland now have domestic abuse as a priority, however my experiences (thankfully) were over 4 years ago.

I saw the BBC report but I wondered why this was in London alone. Isn't it a nationwide issue? There's also a lot of focus on female victims not so much on male.

Things, I'm in Scotland too. Just out of curiosity, what area are you in roughly?

Central belt, Nick

I'm south west. Was just curious to see if it was my (old) force before it became police Scotland!

It can be very hit and miss I agree, but people need to complain if police or CPS do not act properly.

I witnessed DV and called the police. When they finally arrived they told me not to worry "as it was just a domestic and the victim was no angel". It was actually GBH and they changed their tune once I complained. CPS were rubbish as well in that case and dropped it due to lack of evidence even though I turned up to court.

I complained about both of them ( and a sergeant) and there were consequences. Didn't help the victim much though.

I would like to add, that despite having had a negative (well several negative) experiences with regards the police and domestic violence, I do think that things have generally improved and that the police take a much harder line than maybe they did in the past.

The CPS i think are in a difficult position because (similarly to some sex offense cases) the evidence often mostly consists of her word against his. The CPS has to feel they can get a conviction for it to go to trial and because we need things to be proved 'beyond reasonable doubt' I can understand why sometimes they'd think a conviction wasn't likely, especially if the victim doesn't want to give evidence.

My main issue is with how much training officers get in understanding domestic abuse, i know there are some specially trained officers who I'm sure are great, but i mean the people who'll turn up at your door if you dial 999. Often victims of domestic violence spend a lot of time being convinced it's their fault or not really a big deal so if the police - who are meant to be the authority on crime - minimize what's happened it can have really serious effects.

Agree, the courts were terrible, the only time my ex actually got jail was because of breaking bail conditions - 2 stints in prison. Violence, theft, - anything against a person - community service, probation. Break bail - prison. Interesting priorities the courts have!

he was charged with the abh at the time and affray and false imprisonment based on what arresting officers saw and on his taped interview. I had until that point made a statement of no statement, he was remanded over the weekend and I then made a full statement before he appeared in court.

He was bailed with a no contact even indirect condition. Within 4 hours I was in his car.

I accept my part in going back to him but refuse toaccept that I was not a credible witness. Because whilst he was on bail I was rescued by police incoherent and shoeless in a nearby city ( he deposited me there long story). That and they take 5 hours to come out....hmmm

Mandatory, there is always updates to legislation or inputs from other agencies, but they are basically jack of all trades and go to everything, as you know. Certainly in our force, the uniformed officers will deal with the here and now and the plain clothes domestic unit will undertake more lengthy enquiries.

It can be difficult to deal with a "minor" domestic incident after being at a sudden death for example. I say minor as it is not to the reporter but from a policing point of view it can be. Disclaimer!!! I'm not talking about assault, injury etc but some of the other things police can be called for.

w.a are keen to help me make complaint once I am ready

Iexpect his masonfather will nip it in the bud though.

Til, it can take hours for them to attend. It depends how urgently your call has been graded.

Sorry, what's the masons got to do with it??

nicknacky he admitted to police and indeed called them himself to say he had a clawhammer and was going to kill me.I would expect a higher level of support from there, which was there until I withdrew support to the prosecution which my plain clothes dvofficer had an inkling was under duress

It was graded high priority. They sent a textto apologise for the delay.

Til, I really can't comment on the cps decision etc. I was more commenting on the response time and the masons comment.

Unfortunately while it may be high priority there may be other incidents that demanded a more urgent response. It's not ideal obviously, but there is a limited number of officers available.

his dad has said money changed at some point. His bail condition was lifted without me even speaking toanyone (was in court but with witness care) then he got 6 months probation despite a previous record and despite seven incidents at our address since the abh....so masons yes

though that may just be shite hes put in my head

The masons have got no impact on police, court or cps decisions.

Please do not think I'm disagreeing about some being shite because really I'm not as with every job you do get people who are bad at them.
But
It's very hard to justify not arresting when DV is involved,they are meant to arrest first and ask questions later as soon as they know an assault has taken place.

I'm struggling to think of normal reasons why they wouldn't. And tbh at least in the last 15 years I can not think of many examples amongst my clients when an arrest has not happened when physical violence has occurred.

lamu would you like any support in making a formal complaint?

There are so many things the police can and do to to help.these days they can even obtain short term protection orders to protect someone after a alleged offender has walked out of the station,and they do obtain lots and lots of these.

Every single police force has several dedicated specialist officers who over see cases as well as help to coordinate other avenues of support, it's not unusual for officers to attend cp meetings find refuge spaces,I've even known a few to transport women and children to refuges.

And any police officer since 1991 (thats when it effectivly became a crime)who has not followed procedure with marital rape should be complained about and dismissed.

Sunbeam.

That's a very usual tactic used by abusive people to make you think they are all powerful they will say or imply they have more friends than they do especially ones in high places even that they have many friends you d t know who will report your movements back to them, it's a very effective method of isolation.

I worked for the CPS for 14 years and we were never contacted by the Masons

You seem to be taking last night recount of events as 100% genuine. I wouldn't to be honest. And I find even more scare mongering, distateful and unhelpful to people who might need these services,

Op from last night asked for her threads to be deleted yet she is STILL posting.