Durham Police Officers to Receive Domestic Abuse Training from SafeLives

Approximately 600 police officers are scheduled to participate in domestic abuse training, aimed at enhancing the protection of vulnerable individuals. Starting in December, the organization SafeLives will deliver its Domestic Abuse Matters (DA Matters) program to 575 officers belonging to Durham Police. The curriculum is designed to equip officers to confront unsuitable language and conduct. Superintendent Neil Fuller described the training program as “crucial,” stating it would provide officers with an improved comprehension of domestic abuse. In the areas of County Durham and Darlington, domestic abuse and violence constitute nearly 17% of all reported offenses, with the police force responding to approximately 16,500 incidents annually. Superintendent Fuller noted that these types of cases represent some of the most “complex investigations” handled by the force, demanding the “utmost care and sensitivity.” He further stated, “This is an opportunity for us to make a direct change to victims and survivors of domestic abuse, and forms part of our commitment to tackling violence against women and girls.” The training curriculum encompasses subjects including coercive and controlling behavior, insights into perpetrators, digital domestic abuse, and assistance for male and older victims. Ellen Miller, the chief executive of the charity, indicated that the course is a cultural transformation program developed in collaboration with abuse survivors. She commented, “Enabling first responders to give a victim the right support at the right time, leads to better outcomes and restores trust between survivors and police officers.” Miller also expressed her desire to guarantee that the police and criminal justice system’s handling of domestic abuse cases would be “as good as it could be.”