Police survivors launch ‘Empower’ group to break the silence on abuse

Thames Valley Police has launched a new support group, Empower, for officers and staff who are victims and survivors of domestic abuse. Officially launched on 4 August, the group was created and is led by colleagues with lived experience, and aims to give those affected a safe space to find peer support, practical and wellbeing advice, and signposting to specialist services — working closely with the charity Hope After Harm.
Co-founder Alison Blood said that when she spoke out about her own experience while serving with the force, she was left feeling isolated and lonely, with little internal support to turn to — an experience that drove her to help set something up for colleagues in the same position. The founders say survivors have come together to break the silence around abuse within policing and ensure no one feels alone. Deputy Chief Constable Ben Snuggs said domestic abuse can affect anyone regardless of role or rank, calling Empower a powerful example of colleagues using their own experience to challenge stigma and build a culture where people feel safe to seek help.