Mayor’s Statement on Super Complaint: Police Perpetrated Domestic Abuse

Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin has responded to today’s report (30/06) on the Centre for Women’s Justice super-complaint around Police perpetrated domestic abuse.

The report contains a series of recommendations aimed at better investigations and better protection of victims.

Police perpetrated domestic abuse: report on the Centre for Women’s Justice super-complaint (publishing.service.gov.uk)

Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin said:

“It is extremely troubling that domestic abuse at the hands of police officers or staff is not being handled in the way it should. The safety of women and girls is central to my Police and Crime Plan, and its principles and values absolutely apply to those charged with its delivery. It must not be the case that victims are failed or further harmed by the Police response, and this is something we must all recognise and address. This report contains some compelling testimonies from women, and it is crucial that we recognise their collective experience and how that looks for us locally. It is a subject which I have already raised with the Chief Constable here in West Yorkshire, discussing the prospect of investigations being conducted by neighbouring Forces.

This suggestion is also identified within the report, and I will be seeking reassurances from the Force that every recommendation is taken on board. I will also be exploring what more can be done to prevent domestic abuse perpetrators from reaching Police roles in the first place. Likewise, I will be working with my Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Alison Lowe, to ensure our role in commissioning domestic abuse support services is meeting the needs of victims.

I want everyone to have full trust and confidence in the Police, and where incidents do occur, they will be believed and dealt with impartially.”