Policeman | PSNI is introducing victim-focused online reporting options for domestic violence and fraud

PSNI is introducing victim-focused online reporting options for domestic abuse and fraud

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has added victim-specific domestic violence and fraud options to its online reporting platform.

Deputy Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said he hoped this tailored online option would “increase the reporting of this dangerous and horrific type of crime.”

The ability to report domestic violence online or allow a person to report on someone else’s behalf is an alternative to calling, he added.

“Domestic violence is a particularly horrific type of crime,” Henderson said. It can affect anyone, often leaving them feeling isolated and lonely.

“It is an indisputable fact that we respond to an incident of domestic violence on average every 17 minutes. Every incident involves someone who needs help.

“For victims to pick up the phone, tell us what they are suffering and ask for help, it takes enormous courage and bravery. It is often difficult to find a safe space and time for this.

“Emergencies should always be reported by dialing 999 and you can still call 101, but having this tailored option to report online or for someone else to report on your behalf is an alternative to calling.”

He said the form would take about 10 to 15 minutes to complete, but stressed that people reporting should make sure they can safely take that time to complete it.

If necessary, there is a “leave this site” button that closes the site and opens Google Search, so the form will not be saved and sent to the police.

The PSNI said it was urging anyone worried about someone seeing their web history to clear it as soon as possible.

The officers will respond at the time and in the manner requested by the reporting person. A confirmation email will not be sent, as is the case with all other reports made to the PSNI, as this could pose a security risk.

The PSNI said online reporting would be treated in the same way as other reports of domestic abuse.

Henderson added: “We also hope that this tailored online option will increase the reporting of this dangerous and terrifying type of crime. We, as the police, are here to help and will do everything we can to support victims of domestic violence.”

Suspected scams and scams can now also be reported online.

The PSNI says it received 5,412 reports of fraud in the 13 months from December 2022 to January 15, 2024, resulting in total losses of around £23.1 million.

He added: “Investigating fraud offenses is difficult as many of those responsible are from outside Northern Ireland and therefore outside the jurisdiction of the PSNI.

“With this tailored online option, whistleblowers will know within minutes whether their report will be investigated by the police or whether they will be referred to Action Fraud.”

New, tailored reporting options complement existing online reporting routes for crime, anti-social behavior and road traffic collisions.