Local News

Victims of domestic abuse in Kent will now be provided with an enhanced response, additional support and safeguarding through a dedicated Domestic Abuse Hub.

Tackling domestic abuse is a priority for Kent Police and they day they are "constantly seeking new ways to ensure victims receive the best possible service". The Domestic Abuse Hub, launched on Wednesday (18th May) and will provide innovative support for victims using video technology to virtually respond to specific calls. This will enable victims to immediately speak with an officer via video, enabling fast-time crime recording, statement taking and capture of evidence including the scene of the incident and any visible injuries.

By having instant contact with a victim an officer can also implement immediate safeguarding and referrals to partner agencies to provide protection to vulnerable people. 

This is a completely optional service for victims and is not a replacement for a traditional call back or officer visit. Officers will always attend an incident or victim when needed. This method has been independently tested in a controlled trial with over 500 cases, which found very positive results for victims.*

The Domestic Abuse Hub will also be supported by highly motivated Proactive Domestic Abuse teams who will be working to identify, target and relentlessly pursue domestic abuse offenders. They are focused on those who pose the greatest harm and bringing them to justice, whilst also supporting those who are repeatedly targeted.

The concept of a new Domestic Abuse Liaison Officer (DALO) role is also being piloted in Medway, and will be assessed fully before further roll-out across Kent is considered. These officers will provide consistent and coordinated support to safeguard victims most at risk, responding swiftly to incidents to secure vital evidence and providing a first-class service.

Detective Chief Superintendent Sam Price told SFM News: ‘In 2021, the force control room received over 40,000 calls relating to domestic abuse but we are also aware that this crime type is under-reported. Our key priority has always been on protecting the most vulnerable members of society and tackling domestic abuse. By making these changes, officers can respond swiftly, robustly and compassionately to any reports of domestic abuse. ‘There is never an excuse for domestic abuse, no matter what the circumstances, and I urge victims to come forward, confident in the knowledge they will receive the best possible service from Kent Police."

Statistics show that domestic abuse can affect anyone regardless of ethnicity, age, gender, sexuality, or social background.

If you are suffering from physical, sexual, psychological, or financial abuse, or are being threatened, intimidated or stalked by a current or previous partner or close family member, it is likely you are a victim of domestic abuse. You are not to blame for what is happening. You are not alone. You can report it directly to Kent Police or, if you are not ready to speak to the police, you can contact local support organisation SATEDA (Swale Action To End Domestic Abuse) by emailing: admin@sateda.org or by calling 01795 417251. Please note this is not an emergency service and is only open during regular working hours. so If you need immediate assistance, please call 999.

Leysdown, Minster Leas and Sheerness beaches have all received blue flags again this year.

After meeting the highest standards for cleanliness, facilities and water quality, all three beaches have been awarded with a blue flag.

Leysdown beach has also received the Seaside Award from Keep Britain Tidy presented to England’s best beaches.

Cllr Julian Saunders, the Cabinet Member for Environment at Swale Borough Council, told SFM News: “We have to meet a lot of criteria to be awarded a Blue Flag, so this is a fantastic achievement. Our beaches have lifeguards throughout the summer and the high quality bathing water our visitors expect.

Cllr Monique Bonney, the Cabinet Member for Economy, told SFM News: “Our blue flags have arrived in time for summer at Leysdown, Minster Leas and Sheerness beaches and we’re looking forward to welcoming tourists down to visit our award-winning coastline. The blue flags show visitors that our beaches are clean and safe, and that they meet the highest environmental and bathing water quality standards.”

To find out more about your local Swale beaches, visit: www.swale.gov.uk/seafront.

A motorist has been arrested within four minutes after a vehicle failed to stop for Kent Police patrols in Sittingbourne.

Officers from the Swale Local Policing Team were travelling on the Old Sheppey Way towards Iwade when they noticed a car that they believed to be uninsured, at around 1.50pm on Tuesday (3rd May).

They used their lights and sirens to request the driver to stop but instead the vehicle continued to be driven at speed, putting other road-users at risk as it weaved in and out of traffic over the Sheppey Crossing.

At 1.54pm the car pulled over on the Sittingbourne side of the A249 near the Iwade turn-off, and inside officers located a small quantity of cannabis.

A 44-year-old man from Sittingbourne was subsequently arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, failing to stop, driving whilst disqualified and without insurance, and possession of a class B drug.

He has since been released from custody pending further enquiries.

Cllr Mike Baldock has become the new leader of Swale Borough Council.

Cllr Baldock was elected at an extraordinary council meeting held last night (Wednesday 27th April) and he replaces Cllr Roger Truelove, who announced he was stepping down as leader last month.

Cllr Mike Baldock, told SFM News: “It is a great honour to be elected as leader of Swale, as I care deeply about the whole borough. Roger has set a very high standard to follow but he also showed that differing groups could work constructively together. The move towards a new committee system is an exciting opportunity to make sure that every elected councillor - regardless of party-affiliation, or location in the borough - can be genuinely involved in issues affecting their residents".

He went on to add: “We all have serious challenges ahead, and I believe the best way for us to approach them locally is by working together and making sure that our debates and decisions are fully informed and focussed on supporting local people and our local communities. I look forward to now working with my fellow councillors to drive forward further improvements across the whole borough.”

The Leader confirmed his deputy will be Cllr Monique Bonney, and the cabinet will be as follows:

• Climate – Cllr Tim Valentine
• Finance – Cllr Roger Truelove, with Cllr Derek Carnell as deputy
• Health – Cllr Angela Harrison, with Cllr Hannah Perkin as deputy
• Housing – Cllr Ben Martin, with Cllr Ghlin Whelan as deputy
• Planning – Cllr Mike Baldock, with Cllr Alastair Gould as deputy
• Community – Cllr Richard Palmer, with Cllr Elliott Jayes as deputy
• Economic development – Cllr Monique Bonney, with Cllr Sarah Stephen as deputy
• Environment – Cllr Julian Saunders, with Cllr Eddie Thomas as deputy

More information can be found at: www.swale.gov.uk.