Bedfordshire Police

Service

The Office and the Police and Crime Commissioner for Bedfordshire & Violence Exploitation Reduction Unit (VERU) for Bedfordshire will fund training for Bedfordshire Police Officer on “Trauma Informed Training and VAWG” It would enable Police practitioners to understand how trauma affects mental health to cause distress, anxiety, fear and harm. It supports the victim to be confident that their reaction is normal, justified and valid. A trauma informed approach understands that there is a connection between metal health, distress, fear, harm and injury.

Using trauma informed training in policing, practitioners can adjust and adapt the way in which they speak to victims, understand how trauma is impacting is affecting them throughout the life of the investigation and understand their behaviour following the abusive experience. It will allow practitioners to adjust their language (verbal and non-verbal), reduce victim blaming, greater understanding to their victims needs and provide tailored support to their needs. This will provide greater empathy and understanding, build trust and confidence and allow for a good relationship between practitioner and victim. In turn this will reduce attrition and repeat victimisation.

Grant funding

£15,000