Hampshire Constabulary and military police work together to support victims of domestic abuse
Hampshire Constabulary has developed a formal agreement with military police forces in north east Hampshire to work together to support victims of domestic abuse.
A Domestic Abuse Protocol document was signed by the key representatives from various forces on Friday, May 13, at an event held at the Princes Hall in Aldershot.
The RAF Police, Royal Military Police, Ministry of Defence Police and Hampshire Constabulary have all been involved in developing the protocol which sets out practical working arrangements and information sharing practices to be followed when responding to domestic abuse incidents involving military families.
Representatives from all the forces have been working together for several years and the protocol is thought to be the first in the country which establishes clear working procedures.
Senior Representatives from the police agencies have signed the protocol document, these are – Chief Superintendent Paul Aylward, from MoD Police
Superintendent Colin Smith, from Hampshire Constabulary
Flight Lieutenant Mark Rowlands, from RAF Police
Lt Colonel Nadine Parkes Royal Military Police
Superintendent Colin Smith said: “Domestic Abuse is an issue for society as a whole. While the military community are no more or no less affected by domestic abuse, families can feel that they are facing additional barriers to accessing support, particularly due to the transient nature of their (or their partners) employment.
“This protocol will set out clear processes for partnership working between the military police forces and Hampshire Constabulary to ensure anyone suffering from domestic abuse gets the help they need from the most appropriate agency.”
If you are affected by domestic abuse in the military you can report this to the Royal Military Police on 01252 347323, RAF Police on 01256 702134, MoD Police on 01252 347558 or to Hampshire Constabulary on 101.
Support can also be sought from the Army Welfare Service on 01252 349924, or the Soldiers, Seamen, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA) on 01256 702134 ext 7217. You can also contact agencies such as Victim Support on 0845 303 0900, Women’s Aid on 0808 200 0247, the male victim helpline on 0845 801 0327 or if you are concerned about your own controlling or abusive behaviour, you can contact RESPECT on 0845 122 8609. If you are in immediate danger, please call 999 .
