Domestic Violence
So what is the Police Role at the Scene?
It is the immediate duty of all Police Officers (civilian and Service) who are called to a Domestic Violence incident to secure the protection of the victim AND ANY CHILDREN from further abuse and then to consider what action should be taken against the offender.
It is generally considered that an arrest at the scene IS the way forward. This may change the culture and toleration and send two clear messages; to the assailant, that their behaviour is unacceptable and to the complainant, that they are supported and believed. POSITIVE ACTION should be exercised at all times. Referrals can be made to your nearest RAF Police/Civilian Police stations who will ensure, through a multi agency approach, that the victim and any children receive the correct level of support for all future decision making.
Violence in the home is a CRIME; you have the right to be protected by the Police and the Courts. You also have the right to safe temporary accommodation. Your local RAF Police/Civilian Police station may be able to house you in safe, temporary, accommodation should you and your children experience domestic violence.
If you leave home, remember to take your house key, child benefit book, birth and marriage certificates, bankbooks and credit/debit cards, as well as any money you have access to.
Interview with a Victim of Domestic Violence. "Most women have a guilt complex about being beaten up and very often they think that they are the only one. I couldn't even tell my own parents what my spouse was doing to me. And I don't think they would have believed me if I had told them 'cos you don't talk about things like that ... you know... they don't want to know about it, which is quite ludicrous. And I've found women who stood it for eighteen years or thirty years, because they were too ashamed to tell people about it. It's got this stigma that .. If she's battered she deserves it, what has she done to deserve it? No one deserves to be battered".
THE RAF POLICE AND THEIR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE TEAMS ARE THERE TO SUPPORT YOU. PLEASE TALK TO THEM IF YOU NEED ANY HELP OR ADVICE.
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