Festive Period Fuels Domestic Violence

Doncaster Police has expressed its determination to tackle domestic violence with the launch this week of a new strategy to prioritise the way in which domestic violence is investigated, and which sends a clear message to abusers across the borough.

Funding from the Home Office has already resulted in a 30% reduction of domestic violence reports in Doncaster over the past 5 months, and South Yorkshire Police is prepared to take a hard line to keep families safe this Christmas.

Sgt Paul Reed from the Doncaster Domestic Violence Unit said "This change in tactics is intended to help keep victims safe, by ensuring that abusers are held accountable for their actions at the very first opportunity, and wherever possible that will mean being arrested and taken into police custody."

"Most crimes that are reported to the police are investigated by a named officer, who has responsibility for the continuity of that case, however, we recognise that due to the unique nature of domestic violence, we need to continue that investigation around the clock, long after the initial officer has finished their shift, and gone home."

"Victim safety will remain the focus, and every reported incident will be overseen by specialist officers within the Domestic Violence Unit, who will work closely with other agencies, who also have very important parts to play."

The Christmas and New Year period usually coincides with an increase of incidents, where excessive alcohol is often used as an excuse, but South Yorkshire Police is keen to point out that this would not be viewed as mitigation, but instead is likely to land them in more trouble with the law.

If you or someone you know is suffering domestic violence, please report it to South Yorkshire Police on 0114 2202020 or in the case of an emergency - 999.

South Yorkshire Police is part of the Safer Doncaster Partnership, a statutory body comprising of representatives from the Police, Local Authority, Health Authority and other statutory and voluntary agencies which is working together to reduce crime and disorder in Doncaster.