Police officer moved to work with domestic violence victims despite probe into abusing partner

Sign up for the Independent Women email for the latest news, opinion and features Get the Independent Women email for free Get the Independent Women email for free SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A police officer was moved departments to work with domestic violence victims despite being under criminal investigation for a “cruel” four-year campaign of abuse against her partner, The Independent can reveal. It is not right that someone who was investigated and later convicted for these crimes was allowed to work on this unit.” open image in gallery Greater Manchester Police officer Barlow, 32, pleaded guilty in December 2022 to ‘controlling and coercive’ behaviour The revelation comes after a joint investigation between domestic abuse charity Refuge and The Independent revealed just 24 per cent of police investigated for domestic abuse, sexual assault, rape and abuse of position were suspended across England and Wales between May 2022 and May 2023. Ellen Miller, interim chief executive officer of domestic abuse charity Refuge, told The Independent: “Refuge is calling for the immediate suspension of all police officers and staff accused of domestic abuse and violence against women and girls pending investigation. “This would ensure police officers and staff accused of violence against women and girls cannot use their position within the police to potentially continue to perpetrate violence and abuse.” A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson told The Independent: “When employees are under investigation, the force takes steps – in line with the police conduct regulations to ensure that alleged misconduct or criminality can bear no impact on operations or those the force comes into contact with.