Domestic Violence needs boost to improve case handling, says Metropolitan Police Authority

70/06
15 November 2006

New impetus is needed if a multi-agency initiative to develop a domestic violence strategy for London’s criminal justice agencies is to be successful, the Metropolitan Police Authority said today (15 November).

Project Umbra, commissioned by the London Criminal Justice Board, and led by the Metropolitan Police, is designed to improve London’s response to domestic violence. But a lack of resources and progress has raised concerns among members of the MPA’s Equal Opportunities and Diversity Board.

Kirsten Hearn, EODB Chair, said:

“Project Umbra’s success is critical if we are to make significant and sustainable improvements to the way in which London’s criminal justice agencies respond to domestic violence.

“Domestic violence has been on the back burner for too long. We need to expose shortcomings so we can identify obstacles and break down the barriers which have prevented us from doing all in our power to protect the victims of domestic violence, predominantly women and children.

“A society is judged on how well it looks after its most vulnerable citizens, and we must do all we can, collectively, to ensure Project Umbra’s success. We are keen to galvanise progress on the part of statutory bodies. It is imperative we work together to find solutions and push this vital initiative forward. When you’re dealing with people’s personal safety, and even life and death situations, you cannot afford to drag your feet.”

Cindy Butts, who chairs the MPA’s Domestic Violence Board, said:

“Domestic violence is a major issue, especially for its victims. Making real and lasting improvements to the way we deal with cases will help us to help those who are directly involved. Behind every case is a tragic story and we must pull out all the stops to reduce the risk of violence in the first place, or repeat offending, and ensure where it does occur, we support the victims sensitively and efficiently. The MPA will be working with the Metropolitan Police and others to revitalise this initiative and make it a success.”

Project Umbra involves a partnership of voluntary and statutory bodies working together to improve the way in which the police, courts, judiciary, lawyers and others collaborate to make significant improvements to the way that domestic violence cases are handled throughout the criminal justice process.

A number of working groups focus on key areas, such as improving performance and data sharing, increasing advocacy and support services and protecting children and young people exposed to domestic violence.

Around 30 community and voluntary sector representatives, including a number of domestic violence intervention groups, will attend the EODB meeting tomorrow (16 November) at 2pm, at 10 Dean Farrar Street, London SW1.

Project Umbra reports by the Metropolitan Police and the Metropolitan Police Authority, being presented to the meeting tomorrow, are available on the MPA website.

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