Refuge comment on the use of head cameras by police in cases of domestic violence

Sandra Horley OBE, Chief executive of Refuge says:

“Refuge welcomes the use of cameras in obtaining evidence to support prosecution against domestic violence perpetrators.  Domestic violence has the highest rate of repeat victimization than any other crime and every week two women are killed.  Anything that contributes towards securing a successful conviction will help protect vulnerable women and children from further harm.

Hopefully this means the police will be taking a more proactive approach to gather the evidence needed to pursue a conviction.  In Canada the police approach serious incidents of domestic violence as potential homicide scenes – the same gravity and attention to detail needs to be given in the UK.

It is important to recognise that it is still early days and the use of head cameras has only been trialled.   There still needs to be a thorough evaluation and I will be interested to see what the impact has been on the number of successful prosecutions.

At Refuge we know that in many cases, even with best evidence, the police and Crown Prosecution Service still do not charge and prosecute.  The lives of women and children remain at risk.  Despite 35 years of Refuge campaigning, there is still a worrying lack of understanding of the seriousness of domestic violence, the most abhorrent of crimes.”