I read with interest an article published in The Times recently which was in relation to the debate over a bid to use police body-worn video camera evidence in domestic violence cases,even when witnesses have withdrawn their allegations. Including such evidence is a significant step in this area and a huge step for victims in terms of how domestic violence cases are dealt with by the police and the justice system. It will hopefully also result in more convictions for perpetrators of domestic violence.
The basis for the police body-worn cameras is that where witnesses (or a victim) withdraw allegations, which is often done out of fear for their own safety, concern over how this will be dealt with or pressure from family or friends, any evidence captured on the camera can be used to support a prosecution.
This announcement comes alongside a further change to how initially police calls are handled. There are now to be specialist advisers dealing specifically with domestic violence situations included within the teams at police 999 control rooms. Again, this shines the spotlight on how domestic violence cases need specialist support from the moment the victim or witness telephones the police to the gathering of evidence, the supporting and questioning of victims and how they are dealt with in the justice system and ultimately how perpetrators are convicted. It is hugely important that along with the practical implementation of specialist measures such as the above along with the Domestic Abuse Act and the foundations that his Act sets out for support at ground and Government level continue to be supported and implemented.
Some clients can be trapped within violent relationships and are vulnerable even within their own home. It is crucial for both their safety and the safety of their families that the above measures are taken. This will hopefully allow victims to feel more confident about reporting acts of abuse to the police, they will be dealt with in the right way by a trained specialist which can reduce their own trauma and aid their recovery. The use of police body-worn cameras can provide clearer and more detailed evidence of events, which will result in more convictions, and therefore a future deterrent for perpetrators and a clear message that acts of domestic violence will not be tolerated.