Suffolk Constabulary is considering using video calls via phones to speak with domestic abuse victims, including those from the Hadleigh area.

The 'rapid video response' initiative will have funding to progress after next year's increase to the police's portion of council tax was approved last Friday.

It would be offered as an alternative to an in-person response and allow domestic abuse victims to report matters at a time and place that suits them.

It would not replace in-person calls by officers and the victim will choose which way they report crime.

Chief Constable Rachel Kearton said at last week's police and crime panel meeting, in which the increase to the police precept was approved: "The ethos behind this is the sooner we can provide support to somebody in a domestic violence situation the better.

"It is also about providing victims with the control of the context and safe space to contact the police.

"We would be able to provide face-to-face contact with a victim who wants to call the police within minutes of an incident.

"Since 2018, reports of domestic incidents to Suffolk Constabulary have increased by 71 percent.

"I suspect part of this increase is that, sadly, back in 2018 we didn't hear from a lot of victims.

"We are now being more accessible and this would be the next stage in that process."

'Rapid video response' (RVR) was trialled and is now being used in Kent.

During the trial, half of the 517 domestic abuse victims who called in had the video response and the other half had a physical response.

The Kent findings published last year found that RVR allowed victims to speak face-to-face with an officer in just three minutes, while the standard response took approximately 33 hours.

A victim satisfaction survey sent ten days after the call found overall equal satisfaction between both types of response.

However, 89 percent of women victims of intimate domestic abuse reported higher levels of satisfaction with RVR, compared with 78 percent of this group who had an in-person response.

The survey was filled in by 80 percent of the victims in the trial, and female victims of intimate domestic abuse made up 69 percent of all victims involved.

Amanda Page, operational manager for domestic abuses outreach services with Anglia Care Trust, said: "I think giving a victim options is beneficial.

"Some victims find it very overwhelming when the police show up and give them a lot of information.

"When someone wants to report domestic abuse, the likelihood is it has been going on hourly for years.

"They are going to be terrified. They know that the moment the police turn up, they are in danger.

"They could be seen with the police and this could get back to the abuser.

"If you're making a video call, you're not physically being seen with the police. For some victims, it can be the safer option.

"On the other hand, cyber abuse is very real and abusers will often track movements, phone calls – and video calls. So, in some cases, seeing the police in-person can be the safer option.

"That's why I think it's so important that victims have options.

"I do feel that face-to-face is always going to be the most effective way for police to gather evidence.

"The police use body-worn cameras and can get a clear view of what's going on. With a video call, they only get what the camera's pointing at.

"But any initiative that offers the opportunity for domestic abuse victims who wouldn't typically come forward the chance to come forward is a positive one."

The police and crime panel approved Suffolk police and crime commissioner Tim Passmore's increase to the policing council tax precept last Friday.

Suffolk residents will pay six per cent more for the police from April.

The technology and staff to support RVR will be one way the extra money is spent.

If you are a victim of domestic abuse, you can call Anglia Care Trust's 24/7 helpline: 0800 977 5690. It is free and confidential, and is also open to those who are concerned about a friend or family member.

Find out more about the helpline and what happens when you call at: https://www.suffolkdahelpline.org.uk/.