New app rolled out to officers to help safeguard domestic abuse victims
A new app is being rolled out to all frontline officers across Cambridgeshire to help domestic abuse victims gain instant access to vital legal support.
It will enable officers attending domestic abuse incidents to make an instant referral to the Domestic Abuse Alliance (DA Alliance), a specialist legal assistance and protection service, on behalf of consenting victims.
Once a referral has been submitted using the WEPROTECT app, a DA Alliance legal adviser will contact the individual to offer specialist legal assistance. Depending on the level of continued risk faced, the adviser will prioritise the situation and facilitate the implementation of civil injunctions, such as non-molestation orders, to provide extra safeguarding measures.
Cambridgeshire Constabulary said the service will run alongside the police investigation into any criminal activity that has taken place.
Launched yesterday (September 7), the force’s partnership with the DA Alliance follows a six-month pilot of the WEPROTECT app in the Peterborough area.
Cambridgeshire Constabulary’s domestic abuse strategic lead, Detective Inspector Dave Savill, said: “The launch of the WEPROTECT app and partnership with the DA Alliance is a really positive step forward and will provide a great deal of support for victims who need legal support and advice.
“The quick and easy referral form will help us streamline communication between victims and the legal advisers. It will also help us ensure that those suffering from abuse can get the necessary help and protection they need while further police enquiries are carried out.”
Det Insp Savill said the service will be available for all domestic abuse victims and will add an “additional layer of safeguarding” to the support already offered by the force and our partner agencies.
“We will continue to prioritise domestic abuse to ensure our communities are safe from harm and perpetrators are dealt with swiftly through criminal proceedings,” he added.
“Tackling domestic abuse and safeguarding victims is one of our main priorities and we hope this service will be of benefit to those who need it the most.”
Razi Hassan, director of communication and partnerships at the DA Alliance, added: “As an organisation we aim to make a meaningful and positive contribution by bringing together those working on the front line of domestic abuse across the UK with the legal sector to deliver joined-up instant legal assistance and protection to victims.
“The roll out of WEPROTECT to officers in Cambridgeshire is a significant step in this effort, as we look ahead to enabling even more forces.
“Furthermore, beyond our solutions and services, we are committed to supporting our partners in increasing awareness of the domestic abuse epidemic.”
