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New video service for domestic abuse victims sees 95% satisfaction rate, say police

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Ipswich's only independent news website

We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

Suffolk Police say a new digital service allowing domestic abuse victims to speak with officers remotely has received positive feedback from users.

Why it matters: The initiative represents additional investment in domestic abuse support services in Suffolk, funded by both council tax increases and Home Office backing.

The details: According to the force, 95% of respondents to their survey were either "satisfied" or "very satisfied" with the rapid video response service.

  • The service operates from 08:00 to 22:00 daily

  • Staff assess calls to determine if video response is appropriate and safe

  • Victims can choose between video calls or traditional face-to-face meetings

  • The team includes three police officers, six police support investigators, an administrative assistant and a sergeant

By the numbers:

  • 92% of survey respondents preferred the virtual service, according to police

  • August saw the highest monthly usage with 66 video calls

  • Total domestic abuse calls in August reached 1,230

What they're saying: Assistant Chief Constable Eamonn Bridger said: "These early figures support that victims appreciate the choice provided by this innovative service and it is very encouraging to see that where the surveys have been completed there is an overwhelmingly positive response from victims."

Limitations: The service does not cover:

  • Victims under 18

  • Cases where suspects are present or likely to return

  • Calls requiring interpreters

  • Sexual offences

  • Immediate 'Grade A' emergency calls

The bottom line: Suffolk Police say the new service aims to reduce waiting times and allow quicker evidence collection, while still maintaining traditional face-to-face options for those who prefer them.

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Farage more trusted than Starmer in East of England, latest poll finds

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Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

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We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage is more trusted to represent the UK internationally than PM Keir Starmer among East of England voters, new polling reveals.

Why it matters: The findings highlight a significant decline in trust for the main party leaders in the region less than a year after the general election.

The poll, conducted by communications agency PLMR and Electoral Calculus, shows Farage ranked highest among named leaders at 19% in the East of England, ahead of Sir Keir Starmer (13%), Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch (6%) and Liberal Democrat Leader Sir Ed Davey (5%).

Nigel Farage
Nigel FarageAlamy

The bigger picture: One in three voters (33%) in the region responded "none of the above" when asked which political figure they would trust most, suggesting a broader decline in overall trust in UK political leaders.

By the numbers: The same poll indicates Reform UK would become the largest party in the region if an election were held tomorrow:

  • Reform: 21 seats

  • Conservatives: 10 seats

  • Labour: 4 seats

  • Liberal Democrats: 2 seats

  • Greens: 1 seat

In contrast: Nationally, Farage and Starmer are tied at 16% among those who named a preference, highlighting a more polarised national picture, with the Reform UK leader building more trust with voters in the East of England specifically.

What they're saying: "This polling highlights a significant decline in trust for the two main party leaders among East of England voters when it comes to representing the UK on the international stage," said Tim Miller , Managing Director of PLMR Genesis , the East of England branch of PLMR.

Reform and Nigel Farage have seemingly been able to capitalise on this and it's now translating into voting intentions, with the Party set to overtake Labour and the Conservatives in the region with the largest number of seats – a seismic political shift.

Between the lines: The poll suggests Reform would make strong gains across the region, potentially taking seats from both major parties:

  • Suffolk: Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket from Labour

  • Essex: Braintree from the Conservatives and Thurrock from Labour

  • Cambridgeshire: North East from the Conservatives and North West from Labour

  • Norfolk: North West from the Conservatives and South West from Labour

Tim Miller on a backdrop of Ipswich from above and political party colour overlays
Tim Miller of PLMR GenesisOliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

The national outlook: The survey of 5,180 adults showed Reform securing 25% of the vote share nationally, compared to 23% each for Labour and the Conservatives. This would translate to 227 seats for Reform, 180 for Labour and 130 for the Conservatives.

The bottom line: "If Labour wants to keep Reform at bay, hold onto the gains they made in the East of England and remain in government in four year's time, the Party needs to focus on getting their message across more clearly to voters and instil confidence in their domestic agenda," Miller concluded.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

We can't do this without you!

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