Refuge statement following IPPC investigation into the death of Tania Moore

November 1, 2006

Sandra Horley OBE, Chief Executive of national domestic violence charity Refuge says:

"This is one of the most shocking examples of police failure in a domestic violence case in my 28 years of working with abused women.  It is really encouraging to see that the Independent Police Complaints Commission is taking domestic violence seriously and recognising how the police failed in their duty to protect.  Let this be a wake up call for police forces across the UK.  Lessons must be learned so that women and children receive the protection they need and deserve. 

From what I understand Tania’s death was preventable as the police received numerous warnings about her ex’s behaviour. The state has a positive duty to protect and the police have failed utterly in their duty of care.  Sadly Tania’s death is not unusual.  Every week two women are killed by a former or current partner.  Claire Bernal, Julia Pemberton, Johanna Croxton, Penny Beale – all women who have lost their lives and all tragedies that have had a shattering effect on families and communities. 

Domestic violence is a serious crime with takes lives and destroys lives.  Until the police and criminal justice system fully understand the dangers that women and children face, more names will continue to be added to this heartbreaking list.  How many more women must be killed before the police stop making excuses?

If all police forces took domestic violence more seriously and responded appropriately it is possible that Tania and many more women who have lost their lives, might still be alive today.  If we are to prevent more women like Tania being killed, the government must prioritisedomestic violence as a serious problem for all of society and back this up with a coherent strategy and funding to match.  Abused women and children deserve and need protection. 

If the UK had the same attitude as the US where everyone sues everyone else for malpractice, the police force could be facing a multi-million pound lawsuit.  Perhaps this is what should happen in this case – to change once and for all police handling of domestic violence cases."