Police Get 'Checklist' To Spot Domestic Abuse

Police officers are being given advice on spotting the tell-tale patterns of domestic abuse. On average, women are assaulted 35 times before they make contact with the police, according to the Refuge charity – and officers are being urged to see the "big picture" when investigating possible cases of domestic abuse. The Authorised Professional Practice (APP) guidelines, issued by the College of Policing, will encourage police staff to rely on evidence rather than a victim's testimony to build a case.