Spotlight on our domestic abuse investigation teams
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“We all come into policing to make a difference, but when it comes to helping victims of domestic and serious sexual abuse there is a feeling you can make a significant and lasting difference to people’s lives.”
These are the words of Detective Chief Inspector Martyn Kendall, head of investigations into domestic abuse, rape, and serious sexual offences.
There are over a million calls to police reporting domestic abuse each year and each victim will on average have suffered 50 incidents of abuse before seeking help.
“More often than not, domestic abuse is not a one-off incident, it’s a prolonged and sustained pattern of abuse which can be violent or psychological. Offenders are often dangerous and manipulative, sometimes to such a degree that victims often don’t realise they are victims.
"It’s rewarding to know that we are helping victims break that pattern of abuse and putting them on the first step to rebuilding their lives. It's complex and challenging work where you invariably develop a connection with victims. But I think if you speak to a member of the team, they’ll tell you this is why it is so rewarding."
While Martyn’s team deal with the highest risk offences, more often than not it will be response officers who attend an initial call for help. Martyn continues:
“The sad reality is that a large proportion of the incidents response officers attend are domestic related and it’s important they are all trained to respond to these, ensuring initial enquiries give the best possible outcomes for victims. "My team also deliver training to frontline officers so they can carry out initial forensic investigations at the scenes of sexual offences when time is of the essence.
"Victims of domestic abuse can be assured that when they are ready to report they will be met with an officer who has been trained to respond compassionately and professionally. "To be clear, one instance of domestic abuse is one too many and I would urge victims to seek help as soon as possible. We can put immediate measures in place to protect you and will always look to bring offenders to justice.”