| Date | Category | Guidance | Changes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Major investigation and public protection > Domestic abuse | First response | Throughout the module, where the abbreviation HBV is used it was swapped to HBA Body-worn video Under further information see, the two bullets were deleted and the reference NPCC (2023) Body-Worn Video guidance was added and a new link included. Why a victim might appear unwilling to engage Beneath the ‘You might be thinking’ tables, under ‘See also’ the last bullet was deleted and the links updated. Unsupportive victims and the evidence-led approach The Joint NPCC and CPS checklist link has been updated. Under ‘See’ the three checklist links have been corrected. First accounts and body-worn video Under ‘See body-worn video’ the link has been updated. Victim’s views on obtaining a restraining order and victim personal statement MG5 replaced with ‘case summary’ x 2. Last paragraph wording insertion: ‘officers must evidence impact on the victim in the initial testimony. It is one of the points to prove for controlling or coercive behaviour. They will be able to make a more detailed…this is a right under the MoJ Code of Practice for Victims’. Injury photos Paragraph inserted, comes second after bullets. ‘It is important for officers to be aware of skin tone bias when assessing injuries and requesting photographs of injuries on darker skin. Differences in redness and bruising visibility need to be taken into account when photos are taken. This may require use of a specialist photographer.’ Free national helpline details Link updated and Women’s Aid removed from the Refuge helpline. Welsh Women’s Aid link updated. Referrals to voluntary sector support agencies First paragraph. Deletion of text from ‘the police should’ to ‘explicit consent from the victim to do so.’ Replaced with ‘a victim has the right to access support services, whether or not they choose to report the crime to the police. Officers should be aware of and able to refer victims to appropriate support services, including those by and for minority groups. They should take into consideration any increased risk to the victim that a referral might create.’ Abbreviation in brackets (BME) removed. Paragraph commencing ‘For information on more specialist services, the Women’s Aid’ – Gold Book link corrected. Paragraph commencing ‘Officer should ensure not…’ Added the last sentence: ‘Officers should also keep in mind the possibility that a perpetrator may try to find the victim through a missing person’s report.’ NCDV – added last sentence: ‘These services are means tested.’ CPS DA guidelines – changed Annex D to E and corrected the link. |
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| Major investigation and public protection > Domestic abuse | First response | Review of all existing links to the 2011 ABE guidance and update the reference to the new 2022 guidance. |
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| Major investigation and public protection > Domestic abuse | First response | Update a link to 2015 Code of Practice for Victims of Crime. |
