Detective Inspector Alicia Yorke is a pivotal force in Cambridgeshire Constabulary’s efforts to tackle domestic abuse (DA) and violence against women and girls (VAWG).
With a career rooted in safeguarding and a passion for supporting victims, Alicia plays a critical role in shaping the Force’s strategy for addressing these pressing issues.
In May 2023, Alicia became the face of Cambridgeshire’s Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH), a collaborative initiative designed to protect vulnerable adults and children.
As the Force’s DA tactical lead, Alicia oversees initiatives that enhance how domestic abuse cases are identified, addressed, and resolved.
Alicia’s journey reflects a growing prioritisation of domestic abuse within policing, underpinned by the 2021 National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) framework for tackling VAWG.
“My career has always followed safeguarding, and I think that goes back to being on response in Doncaster as part of South Yorkshire Police – I have always leant towards investigating victim-based crime,” said the 32-year-old.
“I was already a detective before I moved to Cambridgeshire, and my keenness to make even more of an impact grew as I made the move.
“I have definitely felt domestic abuse become more prioritised, and with that, I have been able to use my passion for problem-solving for victims.
“In my response days, I remember there still being a sense of someone not being a DA victim if they don’t have a bruise – obviously, a completely outdated attitude, and policing is now getting better at recognising dangerous risk factors like coercive and controlling behaviour within any domestic setting.
“There was also a reluctance to make gender assumptions on domestic abuse, but it is a fact that DA disproportionately affects women and girls.”
This shift has led to the evolution of DA risk assessments within Cambridgeshire. The previous Domestic Abuse, Stalking, and Honour-Based Violence (DASH) system has been replaced by a more comprehensive Domestic Abuse Risk Assessment (DARA).
This modernised tool accounts for varied forms of abuse, from emotional to financial, while extending protections under the Domestic Abuse Act to everyone connected to a case – not just those in intimate relationships.
Soon, the Force will roll out another improvement: the RAPID framework (Response, Arrest, Prevent, Investigate, Detect), which aims to unify best practices in DA case management, and Alicia is spearheading the training for her team.
The Force has made significant strides in creating safe spaces for victims. One key initiative is the introduction of rapid video response, allowing victims to report domestic abuse through secure video calls.
Alicia explained that this will only actioned once victims feel safe enough to talk and is designed as a non-emergency step, enabling a police response for those who may be unable to report the crime in person or worried about the repercussions that could come with doing so.
It also allows for evidence to be captured faster and, in many instances, benefits the overall timeliness of safeguarding and investigation.
Building trust with the public is also paramount. Cambridgeshire Constabulary has shared success stories of victims supported through effective policing, as well as the proactive use of Clare’s Law. This law enables individuals to inquire about a partner’s criminal history or receive unsolicited disclosures if police believe they are at risk.
“Through our cohort of high-risk offenders, we can weigh up whether disclosing information to someone’s partner could save them from harm,” Alicia said. “Balancing prevention and response is crucial.”
Alicia credits much of the Force’s progress to teamwork within MASH and collaboration with partner agencies. Every MASH member is trained in both DA-specific methods and broader safeguarding strategies, ensuring they’re equipped to handle the complexities of these cases.
Reflecting on her work, she said: “DA accounts for 18 per cent of recorded crime in England and Wales, so there’s still much to do. But I’m confident we’re moving in the right direction.”
As Cambridgeshire Constabulary continues to strengthen its approach to VAWG and DA, Alicia’s leadership symbolises the transformative potential of passion, expertise, and innovation in policing.
She said: “As for my personal commitment, I truly believe I have the best role in the Force. I love coming to work and working alongside our partner agencies and leading my colleagues – everyone has that common interest to really be there for victims when it matters.
“I have so much passion for the process of understanding risk, getting results and helping people who feel trapped.
“VAWG puts these people in the most vulnerable category possible for us as police, and I am excited about the development to come as we continue to enhance our level of care.”