A North East expert is leading new training to address victim-blaming language in police investigations.
Dr Patricia Canning Pask, assistant professor at Northumbria University and an applied linguist specialising in forensic texts, is delivering the Language Matters training to officers across Cumbria Constabulary.
The programme is part of a wider effort to improve the way police communicate during investigations into domestic abuse, sexual violence, and related offences.
Dr Canning Pask said: "How language is used in policing and the wider justice system cannot be underestimated, especially when responding to and investigating domestic abuse.
"The training has been designed to encourage officers to understand the impact on victims and case outcomes of what they say and how they say it, whether in person, on the phone, or in case file reports.
"Language matters, and by addressing harmful stereotypes and shifting the focus away from victims and on to perpetrators, this training will help build trust and really can make a difference on improving routes to justice for victims and survivors."
The programme is funded by Police, Fire, and Crime Commissioner David Allen and aims to ensure victims feel supported throughout the investigative process.
It covers all crime types but places particular emphasis on domestic abuse and sexual violence, which disproportionately affect women and girls.
Dr Canning Pask developed the training after working with South Wales Police to review case files and create language guidelines for future investigations.
It has also been delivered to staff at Cheshire Constabulary and members of the Metropolitan Police service’s media team.
She explained how small changes in language can have a significant impact on an investigation.
Dr Canning Pask said: "It really can be as simple as thinking very carefully before using phrases such a ‘just one slap’.
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"The use of the word ‘just’ immediately minimises the offence being investigated and the impact on the victim.
"Similarly, when describing what might have led up to an incident, using terms such as ‘toxic relationship’ or describing something as an ‘argument’ can instantly share responsibility for what happened between those involved when, clearly, that may not be the case, particularly with a coercive and controlling abuser."
