Crime and intelligence - Domestic abuse policy (N07)

N07 Domestic Abuse

1. Summary of Changes

1.1. This policy has been reviewed in February 2023.

2. What this Policy is About

2.1. This policy outlines Kent Police's response to incidents of domestic abuse (DA). It details the response, reporting and investigation in relation to these incidents together with signposting and safeguarding for the victims, perpetrators and their family.

2.2. The response to domestic abuse is a shared responsibility and this policy provides an outline of the multi-agency roles and responsibilities in reducing domestic abuse.

2.3. All victims of domestic abuse should receive the appropriate quality of service according to their individual needs. All allegations should be properly investigated and offenders held accountable through the criminal justice system.

Compliance with this policy and any linked procedures is mandatory.

3. Statement of Policy

3.1. The priorities of Kent Police in responding to domestic abuse are:

• To protect the lives of both adults and children who are at risk as a result of domestic abuse;
• To investigate all reports of domestic abuse;
• To facilitate effective action against offenders so that they can be held accountable through the criminal justice system;
• To adopt a proactive multi-agency approach in preventing and reducing domestic
  abuse.

3.2. Domestic abuse is not a specific criminal offence, it describes a range of incidents occurring in particular circumstances where the victims and perpetrator can be of any gender or ethnic group. This policy seeks to provide consistent and efficient response to reports of domestic abuse, with the key objectives of preventing serious harm and investigating incidents of domestic abuse.

3.3. Kent Police will respond to all victims of domestic abuse so they can receive the appropriate quality of service according to their need. Where a substantive offence has been committed or is suspected there will be a presumption in favour of arrest.

4. Implications of the Policy
4.1. Finance/Staffing/Training/Other

4.1.1. There are no known additional financial implications other than those already incurred.

4.1.2. Domestic abuse is a shared responsibility and all staff will have received training as appropriate to their role.

4.1.3. A robust supervision and management oversight structure is in place which is responsible for all aspects of domestic abuse.

5. Risk Assessment(s)

5.1. This policy has been assessed as High Risk. Police officers and police staff will adopt a generic risk assessment in line with the relevant procedure and in accordance with their individual roles.

6. Equality Impact Assessment

6.1. This policy has been assessed with regard to its relevance to race and diversity equality. As a result of this assessment the police has been graded as having a high impact.

7. Consultation

7.1. Head of Public Protection (PVP)

8. Monitoring and Review

8.1. Monitoring of this policy will be the responsibility of the Head of PVP.

9. Other source documents, e.g. Legislation, APP, partnership agreements (if applicable)
9.1 College of Policing APP on Domestic Abuse

9.2 DARA Checklist

9.3 DASH checklist

9.4. Child Protection policy

9.5. Stalking and Harassment policy

10. Security

10.1 Kent Police has measures in place to protect the security of your data in accordance with our Information Management Policy (Policy W1000 – Information Management).

11. Retention and Disposal of Records

11.1 Kent Police will hold data in accordance with our Records Review, Retention and Disposal Policy (Policy W1012 – Records Review, Retention and Disposal).