Request for a quotation for Domestic Abuse service specialists to be located in the Humberside Police Control Room Hub

Humberside Police receives in excess of 22,000 reports of domestic abuse across the force area each year. These can vary both in their immediacy, from incidents in progress to historical reporting; and in their risk level. To ensure an appropriate response to each report, call takers will collect as much information from the caller as possible. This, alongside checks on police databases regarding any previous reports or intelligence on the individuals involved will inform the grading of the response.

Humberside Police policy regarding domestic abuse incidents is that all reports will be visited by a police officer. The time frame regarding the visit will vary depending on the risk level. The police officer(s) attending the incidents will complete a domestic abuse form including a DASH (Domestic Abuse, Stalking and Harassment and Honour Based Abuse) risk assessment. Officers and call takers will offer advice regarding safety planning for the victims, but it is acknowledged that an enhanced service would be offered by a domestic abuse specialist speaking to the victim.

Domestic abuse specialist services across Humberside offer support and advice for domestic abuse victims, but generally work Monday to Friday during office hours. Apart from national phone lines, victims are not able to speak to a domestic abuse specialist out of hours and there is no local support. By having the specialist within the Hub, victims can be offered direct access to such support at a time when it is safe to do so. The benefit to the victim is to provide safety advice for themselves and their children and an onward referral to partner agencies, which removes the onus of the victim doing this themselves. Not only will this early engagement enhance the protection for the victim but also give a greater chance of the victim continuing to support the prosecution through the Criminal Justice System.