Initiative to target abuse cases

Cleveland Police set up a domestic violence helpline in 2007

Two police teams have been set up to help vulnerable people on Teesside.

The "vulnerability units" are based in the north and south of the Cleveland force area and will house a team of specially trained officers and staff.

They will deal with domestic violence, child abuse investigations and vulnerable adult abuse investigations.

It is hoped the units will increase convictions for domestic abuse and build on the success of a helpline for victims of forced marriage.

Co-ordinated approach

Deputy Chief Constable of Cleveland Police, Derek Bonnard, said the units were the result of a review of domestic abuse structures and staffing.

"This reorganisation puts us in a better position to provide a more effective and improved service to protect and support vulnerable people," he said.

"The objective is to increase the number of prosecutions and convictions for domestic abuse, as well as facilitating a more co-ordinated approach to crimes that cut across different vulnerability areas.

"We fully intend to build on the success of initiatives, such as the Choice helpline, and the work done around honour based violence."