New video call system to help domestic abuse victims

Thames Valley Police launched the Rapid Video Response (RVR) service across its entire force area on April 27, following a pilot in Oxfordshire and further rollouts in Buckinghamshire, Milton Keynes, and East and West Berkshire.

The service enables victims to speak directly with a frontline officer via an immediate, optional video call when reporting non-emergency domestic abuse incidents, offering a quicker and potentially less intimidating alternative to traditional police visits.

Detective Superintendent Holly Stockwell, head of domestic abuse and stalking at Thames Valley Police, said: “Domestic abuse can be incredibly difficult to report, and we know that the first interaction with police can shape a victim’s willingness to engage with us going forward.

“Rapid Video Response allows us to offer an immediate, compassionate and flexible option, helping us safeguard sooner and capture vital evidence at the earliest opportunity.

“This service is about meeting victims where they are, reducing barriers, building trust and ensuring they receive the support they need in a way that feels safe for them.”

The service is designed to support individuals who may feel unable to attend a police station, fear a physical police presence, or worry about potential repercussions.

By offering a video alternative, Thames Valley Police aims to provide help that is both accessible and sensitive to individual needs.

Since the RVR pilot began on December 1, the team has completed 577 video calls.

Of these, 378 cases were resolved by the RVR team, while 161 were referred to incident and crime response teams or other police forces.

Seventeen cases were directed to domestic abuse investigation units.

The service has been used to respond to reports of assault, sexual offences, harassment, stalking, coercive or controlling behaviour, malicious communications, computer misuse, and breaches of bail or court orders.

Average response times are now more than nine times faster than traditional methods.

Feedback from users has been consistently positive, with 90 per cent of respondents saying they were completely or very satisfied with the service.

Detective Superintendent Michael Bettington, crime manager for the assessment and investigation unit, said: “The force-wide rollout of Rapid Video Response is a significant step forward in how we respond to domestic abuse.

“By connecting victims with an officer much faster, we are delivering a more efficient and effective service.

“It also allows us to make better use of our resources, ensuring officers are focused where they are most needed, while still providing a high-quality response through technology and supporting our work to bring offenders to justice.”