Blackpool Police and NHS domestic violence partnership is getting good results

The teams formed up earlier this month in response to the coronavirus pandemic and Insp Jon Smith from Blackpool’s West Division HQ has championed the team work.

Police officers in Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre are responding to domestic abuse reports alongside a independent domestic violence advocates (IDVAs) or domestic abuse specialist nurses from Blackpool Victoria Hospital.

Insp Smith told the Gazette: “It’s worked really well. We know trialling this over the last few weeks victims are getting rapid access to expert help and support and the results are starting to look like we are getting more family safeguarding refuges and more victims supporting police action so it’s really positive so far.

“It also allows us to access some slightly different victims who would have probably thought about ringing but might not have done but now they know that kind of expert advice and support is there for them.”

The operation started on May 6 and the NHS specialists have been on hand to support victims and to help them and their children with their immediate safety and long-term plans.

Insp Smith said that going forward the force is looking at having the operation as part of the wider organisation response to domestic abuse under the pandemic restrictions.

He added: “We will also evaluate the successes we have got and explore about doing this longer term.”