The Southend, Essex and Thurrock Domestic Abuse Board (SETDAB) has today welcomed the pledge by the Government to go further than ever to help protect victims of domestic abuse.

The new proposals go further than ever before in protecting women and girls from harassment, aggression and violence – focussing on stopping domestic abuse before it takes place.

Deputy Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Jane Gardner, chair of SETDAB, said: “Protecting vulnerable people and breaking the cycle of domestic abuse is a key priority in Roger Hirst’s Police and Crime Plan.

“With domestic abuse accounting for 33 per cent of all violent crime in the county, Essex Police are working to protect those at risk and reduce the number who become victims. We have helped to support that by increasing the number of police officers so that Essex Police can set up specialist domestic abuse teams.

“This news from the Government is very welcome and shows how seriously we are all taking domestic violence. At SETDAB we are pleased to see that the law will be changed so that the most dangerous domestic abusers will be watched more closely, and that controlling or coercive behaviour will be treated the same as physical violence.”

Find Out More

Looking back at the Castle Point Public Meeting

We would like to say a big thank you to everyone who joined the Castle Point online public meeting on Thursday night. 

Online audience members raised important issues around policing roles and visibility, speeding, car cruising and knife crime. 

These meetings are a great way to connect with the community and provide residents with the chance to ask questions about what is happening in their area. Most importantly, this was a good opportunity to see that while a lot of important work has already been done, there is still more to do.

If you missed the meeting or would like to watch it again, you can do so by clicking the button below.

Watch Here

Mental health hub is making a positive impact in Tendring

A new charity shop is helping people struggling with depression, anxiety and mental health to turn their lives around.

The Citizens Advice Bureau Tendring charity shop, in High Street, Clacton, offers more than just bargain purchases to customers.

The Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex (PFCC) contributed £25,000 from the 2022-23 Community Safety Fund to Citizens Advice Bureau Tendring as a contribution to the continuing operation of the Tendring Mental Health Hub.

Roger Hirst, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, said: “This is an excellent project that I’m pleased to be able to support alongside the Citizen’s Advice Bureau, Tendring District Council, Essex County Council and local health partners. It’s wonderful to see the benefits that it is bringing to so many people in the area.”

Read Full Story 

Shining a light on our Animal Welfare Scheme 

The Animal Welfare Scheme is run by the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex. The PFCC co-ordinates a team of volunteers who observe and report of the conditions under which Essex police dogs are trained, transported, deployed and cared for.

Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, Roger Hirst said: “I am hugely grateful for the invaluable contribution made by our volunteers in providing services and support for the county. The welfare of our police dogs is paramount, they do an amazing job keeping us all safe. Thank you to everyone involved in the Animal Welfare Scheme for providing the independent assurance of the high standards we hold ourselves to.”

Check out some of the new Essex Police dog recruits who are currently in training by reading the full story. 

Read More