Latest news with #EllieButt
Daily Mirror
19-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mirror
Hundreds of police officers accused of domestic violence keep their jobs
Figures obtained by the Mirror revealed just 69 constables lost their jobs or voluntarily quit over abuse allegations between 2022 and 2024 - despite 1,240 complaints being logged Over a thousand police officers were accused of domestic violence in the last three years – but hardly any got the chop. Just 69 constables lost their jobs or voluntarily quit over abuse allegations, despite 1,240 complaints being logged. Some forces with a slew of serious reports failed to sack a single officer. Our figures, obtained under Freedom of Information laws, came as the government pledged £50 million to tackle violence against women and girls. The Metropolitan Police, Britain's largest force, recorded 523 abuse allegations against staff between 2022 and 2024, yet only 53 got the boot. Across the other 28 forces that responded to our requests, 16 officers were dismissed over the same period. Twenty Hertfordshire officers were accused of domestic violence but all kept their jobs. Of the 14 complaints logged by West Midlands police, just one was asked to undertake 'reflective practice'. In Bedfordshire, 22 people were accused but only three were fired or voluntarily resigned. Several forces failed to provide figures so the true number of allegations is likely far higher. Last night Ellie Butt, of domestic abuse charity Refuge, said: 'It is essential that police handling of violence against women and girls is scrutinised but this alone isn't enough. Labour committed to the suspension of all officers accused of domestic abuse or sexual offences pending an investigation. 'The government must make good on this manifesto pledge as a matter of urgency. We keenly await further details of plans to improve police vetting, which is integral to rooting out police perpetrators, protecting survivors, and restoring police confidence in the justice system as a whole. Women's confidence in the justice system is currently at a crisis point and we continue to see abuse perpetrated by police officers themselves.' A string of abusive officers have lost their jobs in recent years. PC Amarjit Dhallu, who worked with vulnerable children, was dismissed from Kent police in 2021 over allegations he strangled a former partner and hit her with a belt. Detective sergeant Paul Whitehurst, who worked in Warwickshire Police 's anti-corruption unit, was jailed after admitting five charges of beating an ex-girlfriend. A Met police spokesperson said: 'We are committed to rooting out officers and staff whose behaviour falls below the high standards expected. We have stepped up our commitment to tackling allegations of domestic abuse against our officers and staff, as we understand the heavy impact of such offending on victim-survivors. The National Police Chiefs' Council added: 'We need the strongest possible response to police perpetrators of domestic abuse that protects victims and gives the public confidence in policing. The government scheme announced last Thursday will see perpetrators offered one-to-one support to help them come off drugs and alcohol and resolve their personal issues. Home Office minister Jess Phillips said the money would give victims a 'better and safer future'.
The Independent
25-03-2025
- The Independent
Number of suicides due to domestic abuse only ‘tip of iceberg', charity warns
The number of domestic abuse victims taking their own lives is only the 'tip of the iceberg', experts have warned, after a report found the majority of abuse-related deaths last year were suicides. A tragic 98 victims took their own lives between April 2023 and March 2024, compared with 80 who were killed by a current or former partner and 39 who were killed by a family member. This brings the total number of domestic abuse-related deaths to 1,012 since 2020, according to the government-funded Domestic Homicide Project, including 354 suspected suicides following domestic abuse. Domestic Abuse charity Refuge, which has partnered with The Independent to build two new refuges for women fleeing abuse, said that the figures come as 'no surprise' as violence against women and girls remains at 'epidemic levels'. However suicides linked to domestic abuse continue to be under-reported, they warned. Ellie Butt, head of policy and public affairs, said: 'The high number of both homicides and suicides underscores what we already know about the horrific prevalence of domestic abuse. However, we expect these figures to represent only the tip of the iceberg as suicides caused by domestic abuse continue to be severely under-reported. 'Over the past four years, coercive and controlling behaviour has consistently been identified as one of the biggest risk factors in relation to deaths caused by domestic abuse perpetrators. 'As a society, we cannot afford to continue trivialising coercive control when its devastating consequences are so clear.' Despite such high rates of suicide, only 3 per cent of abusers whose victim took their own lives have faced criminal charges in the past four years, the report found. She called for 'tangible steps' to help prevent future deaths and better support those experiencing abuse, adding the report must serve as a 'wake-up call' for those in power. 'Domestic abuse is a systemic issue, and many of these tragic deaths could have been prevented,' she added. 'Overall, 67 per cent of perpetrators were known to police. This figure is even higher in the case of suicides, with almost 90 per cent of victims and/or perpetrators being known to partner agencies. 'These chilling figures highlight the critical need for a multi-agency approach to tackling domestic abuse – in line with the report's recommendations – alongside an improved police response to reports of abuse.' Assistant commissioner Louisa Rolfe, the National Police Chiefs' Council lead for domestic abuse, said she expects more domestic abusers to be charged with manslaughter if their victims take their own life. It comes after Preston Crown Court heard how young mother Kiena Dawes left a suicide note blaming her abusive partner before she took her own life. Ryan Wellings was convicted of assault and coercive and controlling behaviour towards Dawes after a six-week trial earlier this year, but was cleared of her manslaughter. Refuge is building two safe houses for survivors of domestic abuse and their children after The Independent raised £576,984. Both houses – which are being installed with safety alarms and fireproof letter boxes – should be completed by spring. Our Brick by Brick campaign, launched with Refuge last September, prompted a national conversation about the prevalence of violence within relationships, coercive control and the many vicious forms domestic abuse takes. It was backed by leading UK figures, including prime minister Sir Keir Starmer, the Queen, Dame Joanna Lumley, Dame Helen Mirren, Olivia Colman, Victoria Derbyshire and Sir Patrick Stewart. If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@ or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch. If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text 988, or visit to access online chat from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in another country, you can go to to find a helpline near you More about Independent Brick by Brick Refuge
