Nottinghamshire Police’s Detective Inspector Abigail Goucher makes personal plea to women experiencing abuse

Women experiencing domestic violence have been urged to tell police about what is happening to them.

An experienced police detective, who herself suffered abuse in a previous relationship, has made a personal plea to those suffering abuse.

Detective Inspector Abigail Goucher has supported numerous victims and survivors of male violence during her career, and knows from personal experience the many competing emotions they feel.

Her plea came during the annual White Ribbon initiative and subsequent 16 Days of Activism, in which she stressed the importance of contacting the police early as possible.

Detective Inspector Goucher said: “Sadly, we know that male violence against women can escalate over time — starting with relatively minor assaults and abuse before progressing to acts of extreme violence and even homicide.

“As a police officer I am in a privileged position to help people and keep them safe, but I also know from personal experience just how hard it is for people to seek the help they need.

“I know how hard it is to stand up and to challenge what’s happening, and I know what a big step it is to contact the police for help.

“You can feel intimidated, you could feel shame, and you can feel fear for the impact that decision will have on you and your family.

“But as a police officer I also know just how much we can do to keep you safe and to end your abusive relationship.

“So, I want to appeal directly to victims and survivors — and the people who know them — to come forward and speak to us.

“They can get in touch on the phone, in person and online and we will reach out to them in a way that is appropriate for them.

“In non-emergency situations we will take all necessary care to make discreet inquiries as we work to establish the level of risk people face.

“Whilst we can’t make promises on outcomes what we can say is that we will do whatever we can to keep people safe from harm — which is always our number one priority.”

In recent years Nottinghamshire Police has a proactive approach to protecting victims from harm, even in cases where criminal charges cannot be secured.

These include:

Proactive arrest and strict bail conditions — Officers are encouraged to arrest suspects, interview them under caution and put in place bail conditions that prevent further harm to victims. These can include restrictions on their movements, access to children and also prohibit any further contact through a third party.

Domestic Violence Protection Orders — civil court orders that can be granted within 48 hours of an officer issuing a temporary Domestic Violence Protection Notice. These are used to protect victims by prohibiting any form of contact by perpetrators.

Non Molestation Orders — civil court orders that place restrictions on perpetrators, including not contacting or visiting their victims. Victims are supported by advocacy groups to apply for these.

Evidence Led Prosecutions — where charges can be brought even when victims do not wish to give a statement or go to court.

Stalking Prevention Orders — civil court orders that allow police to intervene early before cases have gone to court and / or behaviours escalate. Nineteen such orders are currently in place and the force was recently praised by the Home Office for its work in this area

Clare’s Law (Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme) — which gives victims and or people connected to them the ‘right to ask’ police for a disclosure about their partner. In some cases Nottinghamshire Police may proactively approach women where concerns exist about their partner. Nottinghamshire Police was the first force in the country to introduce mandatory consideration or right to know legislation in all cases of domestic assault.

Women experiencing abuse and violence can contact Nottinghamshire Police over the phone via the 101 non-emergency number or online via the Nottinghamshire Police website.