Domestic abuse victims say police not doing enough to protect them

2.5 million adults, most of them women, are affected by domestic abuse every year. It's linked to one-in-five murders or manslaughter cases.

Little wonder the government says it should be treated as a "national threat", on a par with terrorism.

But what does that mean in reality? What happens when the person "terrorising" you is the man living in your home? Or someone you once loved who refuses to stop abusing you? How quickly do the police answer your call? What support is there to help you stay safe?

In the first of a series of reports, we followed a small charity right on the frontline of Britain's Domestic Abuse crisis, and found the mechanisms to protect victims are too often failing them.

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[ddjf]

At this point the question is who isn’t the system failing apart from the wealthy people of Britain.

[joanfregapane]

Isn’t harassing and causing property damage crimes in the UK? Why can the police not do something?

[sadikmeah]

I am a former police officer with GMP and I agree to some extent that the culture of the police service is not conducive to dealing with domestic violence issues. In many cases it is seen as a hindrance and officers like myself were encouraged, especially during peak times, to speed up the process which meant victims were not afforded satisfactory service. In some cases left to fend for themselves.
I myself was challenged on numerous occasions when I spent too much time with victims, in some cases even accused of trying to avoid doing 'proper' police work.

The problem is, like in any government organisation, there is a lack of accountability where even senior officers at the very top are more concerned about what the police service can do for them, IE pension, promotion etc, rather than for crime victims.

[Nushka]

I was told by a female officer, despite having over 100 documents detailing historic abuse from an individual now perpetrating a campaign of harassment: “You’re not making any sense”, “You can’t even tell me one way in which you were abused”. Only when I stated I will contact a solicitor to see if they think differently did her attitude change. By then, I had no intention of communicating with her any further.

[Nushka]

Funny, the language South Yorkshire police used. “I’m sorry you FEEL let down…”. I’m not sure apologising for someone’s emotions is an apology.

[nickiw]

When I called South Yorks police a few weeks ago at 2am when my (now ex) was filming me in bed, the (trainee) officer and her partner left him in my house and just told us not to argue ! They have since apologised but he stole my car, house deeds & credit cards the next day ! They are not trained in narcissistic abuse

[maxpaws]

I know a woman who was harassed by a Police officer for 7 years with the police service basically telling her to f off after all her complaints to them. Only after covert filming and a letter of claim to that UK police force did it finally stop. But that didn't effect that police officers job, he's now a sergeant today.

[Mary-poti]

She is terrified.
Poor poor lady.
She is high-risk.
So sorry for her😢

[zzizahacallar]

This is sad. I grew up in abuse by my brother; it changes you.

[jasmines.]

Once they have a restraining order they should have to wear an ankle bracelet that tracks their movements

[pppp]

I found the Police unreliable and untrustworthy in my own harrassment and stalking case. It was extremely depressing. I understand why people say not to trust the Police now. They protect those they think are like them despite those people being abusers. Admitals and evidence don't change that either.

[originalunoriginal]

The first case is clearly an issue of controlling and cohesive behaviour.
The court found him guilty of stalking and assault by beating. Yet, release the violent individual back into the community by issuing a suspended sentence. You might as well issue a "not guilty" decision.

[maigepresents]

How is it that standing on a pavement recording a police station (a right, protected by law) gets a faster police response than repeated abuse of a human being?

[flowerpower]

FYI: According to a freedom of information request to the metropolitan police, of the 95, 000 reported cases of domestic abuse in 2021 only 50 were deemed to be false. That's about 0.05%.

[flowerpower]

When i was standing in bits of plaster and hugging my terrified 10-year-old child after an ex smashed up my room, the first thing the police asked me was whether i really thought it was a crime, because for some people this was just normal.... wtf??!! They are so complicit with the abusers and normalising, minimising and belittling of abuse.

[Abbyrose]

My best friend took her own life last year after reaching out to the police on many occasions. she had multiple injuries which the police saw and all they did was give her an alarm and went on their way. She got attacked again and this time it was really bad and that was the last time she did. Beautiful young girl failed by the system. She needed protecting.

[siaosigreen]

imagine getting your windows smashed by a man who rides a kids bike.

[w.urlitzer]

the police should be sued every time they ignore these victims. they are effectively complicit in crime. imagine to have to fear for your life daily.

[gedia]

Yet the police will quickly arrest you for swearing at them .😢😢

[Cocomoon]

I'm a domestic abuse survivor and during that dark time, the police were awful. Not only did they victim blame, they also threatened to call social services on me which meant I was then too scared to call them again the next time he broke into my house whilst we were all sleeping to force me to take him back which I then did. I eventually escaped by fleeing abroad with my two children and our whole life whittled down to 2 suitcases. He literally drove around Europe in my footsteps to look for me putting up "missing posters" with our photos on. That's how difficult it was to escape, no thanks to the police. Unfortunately all my dealings with the police as a victim has made me loose not only faith but trust in them. Most of the officers seemed to be rude, haughty and arrogant with no compassion or integrity to plain abuse of power from what I have experienced unfortunately.