Reported domestic violence crimes up 17.6 per cent

Editorial Department • Published 16 Feb 2012 13:00 0 Comments

REPORTS of domestic violence in the Fermanagh area are on the rise according to Inspector Roy Robinson.

Between April 2011 and February 2012 there have been 293 reported incidents, an increase of 44 from the year before. This represents a rise of 17.6 per cent.

However, the Inspector informed members at the District Policing Partnership meeting last week that this could be viewed "positively" as domestic violence is one of the most under reported crimes, and he said this shows increased confidence in the police. 

Inspector Robinson explained that the main intervention with partner agencies in relation to domestic violence is the (MARAC) Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference which meet once a month.

All information on the highest risk domestic abuse cases is shared at the meeting between representatives of local police, probation, health, child protection, housing practitioners, and other specialists from the statutory and voluntary sectors.

"After sharing all relevant information they have about a victim, the representatives discuss options for increasing the safety of the victim and turn these into a co-ordinated action plan. The primary focus of the MARAC is to safeguard the adult victim. The MARAC will also make links with other forums to safeguard children and manage the behaviour of the perpetrator," he explained.

There are four aims of MARAC, said Inspector Robinson, to safeguard adult victims, make links with other public protection arrangements in relation to children, perpetrators and vulnerable adults and to safeguard agency staff as well as to address the behaviour of the perpetrator. "This is achieved by an information sharing and action planning process at MARAC," he said.

The categories covered under violence without injury are Assault without injury, Possession of firearms, weapons or blade/sharp point, Child cruelty/abduction, Procure illegal abortion, Conspiracy/threats to kill, Endangering life on a railway/at sea, Harassment. Between April 2011 and February 2012 there have been 222 arrests for assault without injury (222), 57 for threats to kill and 46 for harassment.

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This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 16 Feb 12

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