Blackpool Police and NHS domestic violence operation is extended until next year following successful trial

The operation, which started in April, involves police officers in Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre responding to domestic abuse reports alongside independent domestic violence advocates (IDVAs) or domestic abuse specialist nurses from Blackpool Victoria Hospital.

After responding to more than 300 incidents, the operation has now been extended until April 2021.

Insp Jon Smith from Blackpool’s West Division HQ has championed the group’s work from the beginning and has said the operation has "took off".

Insp Smith told the Gazette: “Considering this has all been implemented during a pandemic and restrictions became more widespread as time went on, it has took off considerably and has been really successful, not just for the police and IDVAs but also the people we have been called out to protect.

"Following the trial period we have been allowed to carry on with the partnership until at least April next year and we have secured further funding from Lancashire's Police Crime Commissioner and the Ministry of Justice. It has allowed us to take on even more staff in the operation which can only mean more people will receive help."

IDVA Claire Bennett, from Blackpool Victoria Hospital, said the joint partnership allows both services to achieve faster access and provide rapid support.

She said: "Normally the police would attend a domestic violence incident and a report would be shared with us in around four to five days when it would then be picked up.

"What we would find is that people have had time to develop doubts about what has happened and will then decline our support or refuse to help with the prosecution of the people they are being abused by.

"With the operation, being there when the police respond allows us to give support to victims faster and they are more likely to speak to us there and then.

"It also allows the police to deal with the offender while we can deal with the safeguarding side of the response."

Insp Smith said the operation has seen a 25 per cent increase in victims working with the police and a 35 per cent increase of them taking up safeguarding with the IDVAs.

He said: "It definately benefits the people in Blackpool and the Fylde coast and it's certainly something positive to have come out of the Covid-19 pandemic. Hopefully we can expand it even more and keep it for as long as possible."

Claire added: "Interestingly as lockdown restrictions begin to tighten again it might be reassuring that it has been extended for anyone who is worried about being potentially abused while at home."

The partnership is between Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Blackpool Police and Fylde Coast Womens Aid.

Fylde Coast Women’s Aid (FCWA) offers free advice and support to individuals living in Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre who are experiencing or have experienced domestic abuse, stalking and child sexual exploitation. They can be contacted on (01253) 596699 or visit www.fcwa.co.uk - Phone lines are open Monday - Thursday: 9am – 8pm and Friday - Sunday:12pm - 8pm

Domestic abuse support is also available from the following:

Lancashire Victim Services: 0300 323 0085

Lancashire Refuges: 0300 303 3581

Safenet (Blackpool): 01253 347119

Wish Centre (Blackburn with Darwen): 01254 260465

National Domestic Abuse helpline (24 hours): 0808 2000 247

Men’s Advice Line (national): 0808 801 0327

Galop (national LGBT+) 0800 999 5428

Childline: 0800 1111

In an emergency always dial 999.