Video first response to domestic abuse

• In Event: The challenges and opportunities of using experimental approaches to inform VAWG policy in the UK

Abstract

Video first response is an intervention to respond to non-emergency domestic abuse (DA) calls for service via video conferencing, as opposed to physical attendance. This includes ‘rapid video response’ (RVR) where the victim and officer connect almost immediately after they have called the police, and ‘scheduled video response’ (SVR) where an appointment is made at a date and time convenient to the victim.

Video response is aimed at, among other outcomes, improving victim satisfaction, engagement and feelings of safety, police efficiency and perceptions of police effectiveness. In this paper, we will describe the randomised control trial and quasi-experiment we are conducting to evaluate this approach. We are also conducting over 50 interviews with police officers and staff, support services and national stakeholders, which explore how video response is implemented in different police force areas, and its benefits and challenges in practice.

Authors

• Ella White, College of Policing

• Abbie Foulger, College of Policing

• Cerys Gibson, College of Policing