You can still seek help even though you’re stuck at home – DCI Sarah Taylor

If you are a victim of domestic abuse or any other kind of violence, you are not alone, says DCI Sarah Taylor

Embargoed to 0001 Friday February 28 PICTURE POSED BY MODEL File photo dated 09/03/15 of a shadow of a man with a clenched fist as a woman cowers in the corner. Nearly half of survivors of domestic abuse have had their post intercepted, opened or hidden by the perpetrator, according to Citizens Advice. PA Photo. Issue date: Friday February 28, 2020. This can mean they may miss bill payments and medical treatment, drop down waiting lists, and are cut off from vital support networks including family members and friends. See PA story MONEY Abuse. Photo credit should read: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire

In these unprecedented times, we are taking an unorthodox approach to our Capital Cops column. Normally, you would be reading an update from Chief Superintendent Sean Scott, or one of our Local Area Commanders. However, there are so many aspects of frontline policing that either continue to function as normal or that have been given additional resource or dedication in the wake of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, and we thought it prudent to update you on these.

One area that continues to conduct its daily business to safeguard our communities, is Public Protection, which covers a range of issues and offences.

Firstly, in relation to domestic abuse, gender-based violence and honour-based violence, I want to assure the public that the safety and well-being of any individuals at risk of experiencing violence during the current restrictions forcing us to stay at home, remains a priority for Police Scotland. It is important to let everyone know that although they may feel isolated and vulnerable, they are not alone.

Typically, our victim profile for such crimes are women and children, but we recognise that some men are also affected, so please know, we are here for you too.

Domestic abuse is not just physical or sexual abuse, it includes abusive behaviours, verbal, sexual, psychological or financial abuse and can be committed anywhere including online. It is often about power and control, with abusers seeking to use complex controlling behaviours to frighten, humiliate and isolate victims from those who can offer them support.

The message to stay at home does not mean you should not seek help and support and it is more important than ever that victims of domestic abuse, gender-based violence and honour-based violence reach out to get that help. We will listen to you, we will investigate with the utmost professionalism, thoroughness and sensitivity and we will bring perpetrators to justice. You are not alone.

We are working closely with Edinburgh Domestic Abuse Service and Edinburgh Women’s Aid to ensure that our service provision remains available and accessible to all, whether it is through telephone contact or online video platforms.

On a similar note to domestic abuse and violence, we also want to stress that our ability to investigate sexual offences such as rape and sexual assault are not compromised.

If you have been a victim of this type of offence, please contact us, either directly or through third-party reporting mechanisms so we can conduct the necessary enquiries.

Despite these challenging times our local multi agency risk management processes continue in respect of Child Protection, Adult Protection and Multi Agency Public Protection Arrangements, ensuring that those who are at risk of harm are protected and those who present the greatest risk of harm are managed effectively.

In addition, Police Scotland recently launched a national campaign to tackle online child abuse.

With lockdown in place across Scotland, people are now at home for long periods of time, prompting more internet use and increasing the opportunity for predators to target children online.

The new #GetHelpOrGetCaught campaign proactively targets those who are either already offending or at risk of offending. It features a film which challenges behaviour and asks the question: if you wouldn’t do it in the real world, why groom and abuse children in the online world? Offenders will be identified and arrested and they will face the consequences of their actions: not just a conviction but the potential loss of family, reputation and work/livelihood.

Abusers are responsible for their actions, it is up to them to take action and stop, to get help or get.

While many facets of life may have changed over the past few weeks, public protection policing has not. We are here, as we have always been, to keep the public safe, protect vulnerable people from harm and bring offenders to justice.

Detective Chief Inspector Sarah Taylor, Edinburgh Public Protection Unit