Women’s council backs police policy

Press, 24 July 1987, Page 4

Women’s council backs police policy

PA Hamilton The National Council of Women has applauded new police procedures in cases of domestic violence but questions why the moves took so long to come about. From Wednesday a new police policy means that violent offenders in domestic disputes may be arrested and victims — usually women — will not need to make a formal complaint or give evidence in court trials.

Responding to the police policy, the council’s president, Mrs Jocelyn Fish asked, “Why did it take so long?” “There are 15,000 incidents of domestic violence reported each year and an unknown number unreported. “Assault is assault whether it is at home or in the streets and should be treated as such.” she

said. The council believed the policy would boost the number of incidents reported and act to help prevent beatings. It was pleased that support for victims was to be given greater emphasis and that aggressors were to be counselled.

The new policy is a result of a study of domestic-related offences and incidents in the Hamilton area, where early intervention and arrest was encouraged. Police attending domestic dispute complaints will now arrest the aggressor if evidence shows an assault has taken place, or if the victim is in danger from the offender.

Good investigative techniques by police at the scene should stop the need for victims to give evidence in most cases, the police said.