Wiltshire Police to improve support for female crime victims

Wiltshire's PCC Philip Wilkinson said the police needed to "restore the trust and confidence of victims"

Police are aiming to improve how officers respond to incidents of violence against women and girls.

After feedback in a survey of almost 1,200 people, Wiltshire Police has been hosting meetings to discuss the issue.

The survey, in 2022, showed more than a third of female crime victims did not alert police.

The meetings, or Listening Circles, provide a safe space for women and girls to give feedback and suggestions, the force said.

The survey also showed that nearly 50% of female crime victims said they did not report it because they felt police would not take them seriously.

Det Supt Sarah Robbins said the force "will do better" following the results of the survey

A third of respondents also said they would not involve police because of previous negative experiences after they had told the force about a crime.

Following the survey results, the force said it had "let down" women and girls who have been afraid to report violent crimes for "too long".

Of the meetings however, Det Ch Insp Gemma Vinton said: "We received a really good insight into things we can do better."

The first session was held in Melksham on 28 September.

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"I'm really looking forward to holding more Listening Circles because hearing the victim's voice is vital," added Det Ch Insp Vinton.

And Det Supt Sarah Robbins, the force's lead on violence against women and girls (VAWG), said officers "will do better".

In partnership with Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson, the force hopes to make the process of reporting a crime more supportive and more engaging.

'Restore trust'

"The Listening Circles enable the force to make necessary changes to restore the trust and confidence victims should have within policing," said Philip Wilkinson, Police and Crime Commissioner.

"I would urge people to have their voice heard by attending an upcoming Listening Circle and, in turn, help Wiltshire Police and the support services of my office to respond more effectively to those crimes."

The next Listening Circle takes place later in Swindon at 18:30 BST, with other dates planned for Salisbury, Devizes, Trowbridge and Chippenham.