A damning investigation has exposed catastrophic failures in how police respond to domestic abuse victims, with 999 call handlers dismissing terrified victims and even telling one woman to "come back later" after she was assaulted.
The probe, led by the Centre for Women’s Justice, analysed dozens of cases where victims reached out for urgent help, only to be met with disbelief, delays, and dismissive attitudes from those meant to protect them.
‘I’ve Just Been Assaulted – Call Back Later’
In one shocking recording obtained by investigators, a woman who had just been attacked by her partner was told by a call handler: "If you’re safe now, I’d suggest you call back later." The victim, clearly distressed, was left without immediate assistance despite pleading for help.
Another victim reported being asked by a call handler: "What do you want us to do?" after describing how her partner had violently threatened her. These responses represent a serious breach of professional standards and put vulnerable individuals at further risk.
Systemic Failures Put Lives at Risk
Legal experts and campaigners warn that these failures are not isolated incidents but part of a worrying pattern across multiple police forces. The research identified:
- Call handlers failing to recognise the urgency of domestic violence situations
- Victims being asked inappropriate or irrelevant questions during emergencies
- Critical delays in dispresponding officers to scenes of ongoing violence
- A lack of basic empathy and understanding of domestic abuse dynamics
Campaigners Demand Immediate Reform
Domestic abuse charities have expressed outrage at the findings, demanding urgent training for call handlers and better oversight of emergency responses.
"When a victim finds the courage to call for help, that moment is critical," said a spokesperson for Women's Aid. "Dismissing them or delaying response can have devastating consequences, including further violence or even death."
The Centre for Women’s Justice is calling for mandatory national standards for handling domestic abuse calls, comprehensive training on the dynamics of coercive control, and independent oversight of police responses to ensure victims receive the protection they desperately need.
