HUNDREDS of Dorset Police officers are being given intense training to help them better support victims of domestic abuse as the force pledges that victims will be 'at the heart' of the policing plan.

The force is working with SafeLives, a charity dedicated to ending domestic abuse, to improve the way Dorset Police tackles domestic abuse in the county by learning more about tactics abusers use and the experiences of victims.

More than 750 officers and frontline staff are completing training which covers topics including coercive control, victim blaming and manipulation techniques used by domestic abuse offenders to better equip first responders with the tools they need to support victims.

Pete Williams, head of Domestic Abuse (DA) Matters at SafeLives, said: "We are really pleased to be working with Dorset Police to deliver DA Matters, a cultural change programme created with survivors and designed to create long term, sustainable change.

"Dorset Police becoming a DA Matters adopter force will be welcome news for victims and survivors of domestic abuse. The programme is designed to increase awareness and understanding of coercive and controlling behaviour and create attitudinal change throughout the entire force.

"The training will help to reassure victims that if they call for help, they will receive an empathetic response from Dorset Police, who will understand why it's important that all their issues including those around housing, mental health and support for children should be addressed, alongside referral to specialist domestic abuse services.

"The correct police response for victims of domestic abuse is vital, and DA Matters equips officers to get it right the first time, every time."

Chief Inspector Julie Howe, force vulnerability programme lead, said: "The learning doesn’t stop when the course finishes and we’re in the process of setting up a domestic abuse champions network to make sure we continue to build on the foundations the training has put in place."

"We know that domestic abuse devastates lives and this is by no means the end of our journey. Dorset Police has a culture of continuous improvement and we are always striving to do better.

"We will continue to work to deliver the outstanding service that our communities expect and deserve."

David Sidwick, Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, said: "I’ve pledged that victims will be at the heart of the new police and crime plan for Dorset, which I am currently developing, and that includes victims of domestic abuse – a toxic and destructive crime that sadly all too often remains hidden.

"I’m glad to see training such as this delivering such positive impacts so early on and look forward to seeing how the lessons continue to develop the service provided to the people of Dorset.

"I will be working closely with the force and other agencies over the coming months and years to make sure those who experience domestic abuse receive the best support possible."

Anyone who is affected by domestic abuse can get support from Dorset Police by calling 101 or using the police's online reporting tools at www.dorset.police.uk/do-it-online

In an emergency, always call 999.

For more information about other places to get support, visit the Dorset Police website.

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