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More than 10,000 people at high risk of domestic violence (28 February 2014)

Date: 28/02/2014
Duncan Lewis, Family Solicitors, More than 10,000 people at high risk of domestic violence

Figures obtained by The Guardian show that more than 10,000 women and children may be at high risk of domestic violence.

Data from 33 out of 44 police forces in England, Wales and Scotland reveal that 10,952 people were considered “high risk” potential victims of domestic violence at the hands of partners or former partners in the year to November 2013.

The high-risk group mainly comprised women – and being high-risk included a risk of death or serious injury as a result of domestic violence.

Cases of domestic violence are assessed for their seriousness using a protocol called DASH – domestic abuse, stalking and honour-based violence. Police officers called to a domestic violence incident can also make their judgement of the severity of the incident – or use their particular police force’s assessment criteria.

The West Midlands was found to have a higher incidence of high-risk victims of domestic violence, according to the figures – 2,082 people were assessed as high-risk in the 12 months to November 2013 by police forces in the West Midlands keeping records of domestic violence. The Guardian reports that four police forces in the West Midlands do not keep records.

In London, the Metropolitan Police rated 87 women and children as being at high-risk of domestic violence in one month.

The domestic violence charity Refuge said that police should not regard record-keeping of those at high risk of domestic violence as a “tick box” exercise – and potential victims should be afforded proper police protection.

Chief executive of Refuge Sandra Horley said:

“There is no point in doing a risk assessment if the knowledge gained does not lead to proactive safety planning measures that keep women and children safe from violent men.

"I am deeply concerned that in too many cases this does not happen.”

The Association of Chief Police Officers told The Guardian it was “critical” for police officers to understand the risk involved with domestic violence, so that those at risk could be protected.

Duncan Lewis Family Solicitors

Duncan Lewis family solicitors can advise on issues relating to domestic violence and child abuse within a family, as well as children taken into Local Authority care.

Duncan Lewis family solicitors is a leading provider of Legal Aid services – and can offer advice on family law and childcare law under UK law and Islamic law.

For expert legal advice on family and childcare law – and issues relating to domestic violence or child abuse – contact Duncan Lewis family solicitors on 020 7923 4020.


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