This week, I spoke at @opokabristol ’s first national conference, which brought together community leaders, frontline professionals and people with lived experience from Polish communities across the UK.
One message stood out clearly: tackling domestic abuse requires partnership, trust and collaboration.
I spoke about how I am pressing for improvements in the understanding and response to domestic abuse in policing. Through Project Bright Light, we are continuing to strengthen how domestic abuse is understood and responded to within policing, including improving awareness of coercive control and harmful patterns of behaviour.
I am grateful to Opoka for convening this space to build shared understanding, strengthen relationships, and further partnership working - and I am proud to support Opoka and other organisations delivering vital domestic abuse services across Avon and Somerset.
Read more by visiting the link in my bio.
#Policing #Crime #Conference
Strangulation can cause catastrophic harm. For women under 40, research shows it is now the second most common cause of stroke.
We need the public to understand the seriousness of this risk.
#NoSafeWay #Strangulation
I featured on @itvwestcountry to discuss the rise in antisemitic hate crime across the South West.
I want to reassure our communities that @aspolice are here to protect those at risk. There is absolutely no place for antisemitism in our society, and these hateful crimes will not be tolerated.
Watch the full feature by tapping the link in my bio.
At some point in our lives, most of us will either experience mental ill health ourselves or support someone close to us who does. The mental health charity @mindcharity estimates that one in four people will experience a mental health problem in any given year, making it clear how important it is that the right help is available when people reach crisis point.
The police are not always the right agency to respond to every incident, most of the time health professionals are far better placed to help. That is why I am a co‑commissioner, alongside the NHS and the Fire service, of the Integrated Access Partnership (IAP). This model brings together mental health services, ambulance services and out‑of‑hours primary care to ensure people receive the most appropriate and timely response to their mental health needs.
Through initiatives like the Mental Health Specialist Desk and dedicated Mental Health Response Vehicles, more people are now being supported and treated where they are, rather than being taken unnecessarily to hospital.
Police will always attend when there is a real and immediate threat to life. But protecting people also means getting them the right support, at the right time.
Read more by tapping the link in my bio.
#Policing #MentalHealthAwareness #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek
I’m pleased to announce that my non-fatal strangulation campaign has reached the finals of the @prca_hq Dare Awards 2026.
This campaign was created to raise awareness of the mental and physical effects of strangulation, which can cause serious injury and cognitive harm.
Thank you to @teamstudiomix and the @institutefas for your support.
#NFS #PRCA #Awards
Instagram has now removed the ability to send ultra-private direct messages, meaning content from direct messages, including images, voice notes and videos can now be accessed.
This is progress in keeping children safe online, as now authorities will be able to intervene with extreme content that is shared via direct messages.
Read more by tapping the link in my bio.
#Safety #SocialMedia #Online Safety
Knife crime causes serious harm to individuals, families and communities. As Police and Crime Commissioner, I am committed to ensuring that the human impact of violence remains central to how we respond and how we work with partners to prevent harm.
Last week in Kingswood, I attended a follow‑up public meeting on knife crime, organised by @damien.labour MP for Bristol North East. The meeting provided an update on progress and continued an open conversation about what is working and where further action is needed.
Throughout the discussion, one key message was clear: serious youth violence does not begin with a knife. It often starts earlier, with trauma, exclusion, exploitation and unmet need. This is why early intervention and prevention are priorities within my Police and Crime Plan.
Policing plays a vital role in protecting the public and disrupting violent crime. However, enforcement alone cannot solve this issue. Effective responses must combine policing with education, diversion and trusted community support, delivered fairly and proportionately to maintain public confidence.
Read more by visiting my website. Link in bio.
#Crime #Policing
We’re looking for an Independent Member to volunteer and assist the Police and Crime Panel in holding the Police and Crime Commissioner to account.
If you’re interested in modern policing, resource issues and reviewing the strategic direction of the Constabulary, this is the role for you.
Find out more and apply by tapping the link in my bio.
#Volunteer #Policing
@unseenuk provide a safe house in the South West for women (18+) who have survived modern slavery and human trafficking.
Every survivor deserves the opportunity to feel safe, rebuild their confidence, and move forward with independence, and this service plays a crucial role in making that possible.
The service is available to women living in the South West, whether or not they choose to report to the police.
If you or someone you know needs support, help is available. Tap the link in my bio to find out more.
#ModernSlavery #Policing
Non fatal strangulation is a stand alone criminal offence.
You cannot consent to serious harm.
Restricting someone’s breathing or blood flow is illegal.
Our campaign is part of wider work to improve understanding and keep people safe.
#NFS #NoSafeWay
Has crime impacted your life?
Lighthouse Victim and Witness Care offers a practical and emotional support service for victims and witnesses of crime. Their specially trained team provides both practical help and emotional guidance, supporting individuals as they navigate the criminal justice system.
They also keep victims and witnesses informed with clear updates throughout court proceedings across the Avon and Somerset area.
Find out more by tapping the link in my bio.
#Victim #Witness #Crime #Policing
I am horrified and deeply saddened by another attack on our Jewish community.
Antisemitic incidents like this do not only affect those directly targeted; they deliberately intend to create fear, undermine trust and damage the cohesion of our communities.
I welcome the Government’s investment of an additional £25 million for policing and enhanced security for Jewish communities, including additional police patrols as well as protection for synagogues, schools and community centres.
We will work closely with the Jewish community to better target how our funding is utilised to add security and safeguard those communities.
I also strongly welcome the Security Minister Dan Jarvis’s recent statement in Parliament, confirming that the Government is taking an active approach to proscription and other firm measures on counter-terrorism where necessary, including foreign state-linked bodies.
I want to encourage anyone who experiences or witnesses antisemitism or any form of hate crime to report it. Everyone deserves confidence that they will be listened to and supported. I will continue to work with policing and partners to support Jewish communities to feel as safe, supported and protected as possible.
