East Herts police host MVAWG scrutiny panel

East Herts police have hosted their first ever Male Violence Against Women and Girls (MVAWG) scrutiny panel, as part of continuing efforts to improve service to victims.

Earlier this month, representatives from Hertfordshire Constabulary, East Herts District Council, housing partners, charities and support organisations came together at East Herts District Council offices to review and discuss anonymised domestic abuse cases.

The panel evaluated every aspect from the initial 999 call to dispatch and officer interaction on attendance using recorded body worn video.

Panel members were asked to review the interactions giving regard to victim service and safeguarding. They were encouraged to challenge, ask questions, share best practice and make recommendations for future investigations and ongoing feedback and training.

The event was also a chance to discuss ongoing initiatives in relation to MVAWG and highlight good work from officers.

Sergeant Molly Brett, who initiated the setup of the scrutiny panel in East Herts said: “Tackling male violence against women and girls remains a force priority. It’s an issue we take very seriously as we understand the devastating and long-lasting impact it can have on victims and the wider community.

“The scrutiny panel ensures that we’re continuously looking for new and innovative ways to improve our processes, to help provide a better service to victims and prevent repeat offending.”

Chief Inspector Mark Collins closed the event by saying: “I’d like to thank everyone who joined the panel, it proved a great success with lots of valuable discussion and views being shared. The wider perspective of those outside policing helps us to ensure we are getting things right. Due to this success, the panel will meet again on a regular basis.”

Find out more about the Constabulary’s MVAWG strategy on our What we are doing to tackle Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) | Hertfordshire Constabulary

The constabulary has specialist teams that work to tackle domestic abuse and sexual offences. All reports are taken seriously and dealt with sensitively. If you have been a victim, please do not hesitate to report it. There are officers on hand to provide advice and support.