If Theresa May wants the police to tackle domestic abuse, here’s what she should do

I take exception when Theresa May tells the police they aren’t doing enough to tackle domestic abuse. ‘Victims of abuse are still being let down and reports are not being taken seriously enough,’ she said. ‘The right skills and commitments to protect the vulnerable are still not held by every police officer.’ It’s not the police that are letting victims of domestic violence down, but the government. Give the police the tools and they will get the job done.

I served for nine years with the Nottinghamshire Constabulary between 1978 and 1987, a city known for its domestic violence. I saw first hand more than my fair share and often wish I hadn’t. Although it would be unfair to say it was all directed by men against women, the majority of it is. I have seen woman with broken noses, blackened eyes and teeth smashed out. I’ve seen pregnant women kicked in the stomach by men so brutal it defies understanding.

We always attended, whether the call was from a victim or a neighbour.