DOMESTIC ABUSE AWARENESS
BREAKING THE SILENCE
New platform empowers police employees to overcome domestic abuse and break down stigma
Domestic abuse is a pervasive issue that can affect anyone, regardless of rank, role, age, gender, race, or sexual orientation. Recognising the unique challenges faced by police officers who are victims of domestic abuse, PS Samantha Ryan and DS Viran Wiltshire KPM, from the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS), have launched Helping Employees Affected or Living with Domestic Abuse (HEAL DA). This community platform not only
directs individuals to available support but also offers an array of resources, from training and podcasts to the latest research. It serves not only survivors but also those striving to dismantle the stigma surrounding domestic abuse. Samantha and Viran also chair a
survivor support network and have recently qualified to deliver the “Own My Life” course, aimed at empowering women who have experienced abuse. They are seeking funding to develop a similar course for male colleagues. Their goal is to educate leaders so they can confidently support employees experiencing domestic abuse and ensure access to appropriate resources. The MPS has introduced Independent Domestic Violence Advocates (IDVAs) and Independent Sexual Violence Advocates (ISVAs) through the Domestic Abuse organisation Hestia. These advocates provide independent, free, and confidential support to MPS employees enduring domestic abuse, irrespective of gender, enhancing the MPS Employee Domestic Abuse policy.
Samantha and Viran aspire for every police force to offer similar support to all employees. “All colleagues should feel supported and not suffer in silence due to the stigma around domestic abuse,” Samantha emphasised. “We need to train our staff to not only spot signs of someone
08 | POLICE | AUGUST | 2024
who may be suffering abuse but equip them with the tools to ask the difficult questions and signpost the right help.” Samantha elaborated on the internal struggles police officers face, one
colleagues’ obligations and not be a problem. Well, this has to stop now.” The prevalence of domestic abuse
“We need to train our staff to not only spot signs of someone who may be suffering abuse but equip them with the tools to ask the difficult questions and signpost the right help.”
colleague said: “Let’s face it, as officers, your colleagues talking to you about domestic abuse isn’t what you would choose because we all think ‘I’m a cop, I need to do something about this,’ and because we know it, we won’t even talk about it ourselves to protect our
among police officers mirrors the general population, with approximately six in 100 women and three in 100 men affected. “Domestic abuse is a difficult topic on its own, especially for police officers who might believe that they could face additional barriers,”
Samantha noted. “It takes courage to admit it and to take the first step to ask for help.” Police forces worldwide are crucial
in tackling domestic abuse, arresting perpetrators, and supporting victims. However, domestic abuse also
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