Question
As the PSNI are currently developing a strategy in relation to Male Violence Against Women and Girls, can the Chief Constable provide information, at a district level, in relation to the PSNI’s experiences of securing a place of safety for women and girls when they get a call for service that requires removal to a place of safety?
Answer
There is no common data set or readily available statistics to help inform a response to this question, therefore, we have canvassed the views of District Commanders.
Universally the District Commanders have highlighted the excellent support they receive from Women’s Aid in particular and from other statutory and voluntary organisations in cases where removal to a place of safety is required.
There are, of course occasions where demand for accommodation may exceed availability locally and, in these cases we will work with partners to seek accommodation in other areas of the province.
We are aware that Women’s Aid may, in certain circumstances, levy a charge for any woman who stays with them. This may be an additional hurdle to overcome should the victim be under coercive control by her partner and have no access to money.
In some cases, as members will appreciate, working through these sorts of issues can be time consuming and may lead to a sense of frustration for the victim of domestic abuse. We seek to provide as much reassurance as possible and to care for the victims sensitively and discreetly until such time as appropriate accommodation has been arranged.
When dealing with finding a safe place for girls / young women already in care, Social Services will also be involved in seeking alternative accommodation and this may also add to the length of time it takes to identify suitable premises.
Frequently the victim of domestic abuse will subsequently present as Homeless and, in these circumstances, NIHE have emergency protocols which we will signpost to victims. The 24 hour Domestic and Sexual Violence phone line is a very helpful resource.
Where the victim of violence or abuse is under 18 police can use powers under Article 65 of The Children’s (NI) Order 1995 and place a child into emergency police protection. The legislation is clear that on such an occurrence the responsibility to provide accommodation for the child rests with the Health Trust. Typically this would be an emergency foster placement. The multi-agency support hubs also contribute to follow on risk management meetings with partners to ensure ongoing safeguarding.
Commanders have also highlighted that, because of the nature of the police intervention, the perpetrator, in many cases, will be arrested and may be remanded in custody or subject to stringent bail conditions imposed by either police or the courts. This may negate the immediate need to secure a place of safety for the victim or, at least, provide an opportunity to find suitable alternative accommodation
Dolores Kelly - SDLP