AS lockdown restrictions begin to lift, Cleveland Police joins other UK forces in anticipating a rise in reports of domestic abuse (DA).

The police force is assuring residents that arresting perpetrators and protecting and safeguarding victims remains a priority.

Cleveland Police's DA support cars were in use from yesterday (Friday) and over the following weeks on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

The cars travel alongside response officers, as second responders to reports of domestic abuse incidents and they’re staffed by police officers and specialist support staff from local DA organisations who can offer effective help and tailored intervention to vulnerable victims.

Using the cars also allows extra time to be spent with victims. The officers are solely dedicated to attending this type of incident and to tackling any immediate - and longer term - safeguarding issues.

The DA support cars were widely used during last summer’s Operation Phoenix - attending 32 incidents in just one weekend.

At the scene a dedicated officer works with a DA support worker from commissioned services to offer victims help, advice and practical support. The aim of this wraparound “on the spot” service is to give complainants the confidence and reassurance that police will fully support them in pursuing a criminal case against their abuser.

Detective Chief Inspector Jayne Downes from the force’s DA Unit said: “Our use of the DA support cars is carried out in partnership with local agencies such as My Sisters Place, EVA Women’s Aid, Harbour and Foundation.

“Their help is absolutely essential and it means together we can work holistically to prevent and reduce the likelihood of future domestic incidents. Police can look at any criminal justice element of an incident while our partners can offer instant advice and access to services, depending on the complainant’s individual situation and wishes

“Vitally we can safeguard people and help them break free from the cycle of abuse which victims often find themselves locked into.

“Officers have been available to anyone experiencing DA throughout the Covid-19 period, lockdowns and restrictions but sadly we’re expecting demand will rise in the coming weeks and months as restrictions ease and people socialise outside the home.

“I want to remind victims - and those who want to report on behalf of someone else –if you’re ready to report you can always access help, advice and support, whether from police or from our excellent local services.”