The policing of domestic violence ‐ an empirical study

Abstract

Domestic violence has not been traditionally awarded a high priority by the police in the United Kingdom. Research has shown that the service provided by the police is often regarded by victims as unsatisfactory. The concerns of victims usually extend beyond the criminal justice system. A research study was funded by the Home Office as part of the Safer Cities Project to consider the setting up of an inter‐agency response to domestic violence in Hull, North Humberside. This article outlines the research findings in respect of the policing of domestic violence by Humberside Police with emphasis on the policy changes in the Home Office Circular (60/1990).