Menu
05/03/2014
Campaign Launches For New Law That Criminalises Domestic Violence
Women's Aid is currently working in partnership with Sara Charlton Charitable Foundation and Paladin to campaign for a new law that criminalises domestic violence.
On Wednesday 5th March 2014 the Campaign released a report calling for the Government to close gaps in the law around domestic violence which allow perpetrators to avoid prosecution for their abusive behaviour.
The Campaign urges the reforms in light of a survey demonstrating the inability of the current system to respond appropriately to intimate partner violence.
The survey revealed :
• 88% said the criminal justice system didn’t take psychological harm into account and 94% felt that mental cruelty can sometimes be worse than physical violence
• 57% who reported to police reported more than three instances of domestic violence, but 81% said the criminal justice system did not take any pattern of abuse into account
• 98% of victims felt that reform of the law and practice around domestic violence is needed
• 100% felt that the police, Crime Prosecution Service, Judges and Magistrates should have to complete mandatory training into the dynamics and impact of domestic violence.
Polly Neate, Chief Executive of Women's Aid said: "These survey results clearly reflect what our member services have been telling us for a long time: that the criminal justice focus on individual incidents of physical violence cannot reflect the ongoing psychological harm caused by coercive control in intimate relationships.
"We welcome the Government’s recognition of coercive control in the Home Office definition of domestic violence, and the renewed focus Parliament is giving to this issue. Currently two women a week die at the hands of a partner or ex-partner; the next step to preventing these deaths is reform to allow the Criminal Justice System to take account of patterns of controlling and violent behaviour."
(CD)
On Wednesday 5th March 2014 the Campaign released a report calling for the Government to close gaps in the law around domestic violence which allow perpetrators to avoid prosecution for their abusive behaviour.
The Campaign urges the reforms in light of a survey demonstrating the inability of the current system to respond appropriately to intimate partner violence.
The survey revealed :
• 88% said the criminal justice system didn’t take psychological harm into account and 94% felt that mental cruelty can sometimes be worse than physical violence
• 57% who reported to police reported more than three instances of domestic violence, but 81% said the criminal justice system did not take any pattern of abuse into account
• 98% of victims felt that reform of the law and practice around domestic violence is needed
• 100% felt that the police, Crime Prosecution Service, Judges and Magistrates should have to complete mandatory training into the dynamics and impact of domestic violence.
Polly Neate, Chief Executive of Women's Aid said: "These survey results clearly reflect what our member services have been telling us for a long time: that the criminal justice focus on individual incidents of physical violence cannot reflect the ongoing psychological harm caused by coercive control in intimate relationships.
"We welcome the Government’s recognition of coercive control in the Home Office definition of domestic violence, and the renewed focus Parliament is giving to this issue. Currently two women a week die at the hands of a partner or ex-partner; the next step to preventing these deaths is reform to allow the Criminal Justice System to take account of patterns of controlling and violent behaviour."
(CD)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
20 October 2008
Domestic Violence Victims To Receive Extra Support
Victims of domestic violence will receive extra help and support from six new Specialist Domestic Violence Courts (SDVCs), announced today. The new courts will be in Wales, the East Midlands, North East, North West and South East.
Domestic Violence Victims To Receive Extra Support
Victims of domestic violence will receive extra help and support from six new Specialist Domestic Violence Courts (SDVCs), announced today. The new courts will be in Wales, the East Midlands, North East, North West and South East.
27 October 2004
Reform of domestic violence law promises 'tough powers' for police
The domestic violence law will be overhauled to give tough powers to the police and the courts to protect victims and prosecute abusers, the government has pledged.
Reform of domestic violence law promises 'tough powers' for police
The domestic violence law will be overhauled to give tough powers to the police and the courts to protect victims and prosecute abusers, the government has pledged.
01 September 2004
Domestic violence costs businesses £3bn a year: study
Time off work due to injuries caused by domestic violence is costing employers and workers nearly £3 billion a year, according to figures released today.
Domestic violence costs businesses £3bn a year: study
Time off work due to injuries caused by domestic violence is costing employers and workers nearly £3 billion a year, according to figures released today.
27 March 2009
Domestic Violence Victims To Receive Extra Support
Victims of Domestic Violence will receive extra help and support from 18 new Specialist Domestic Violence Courts, Justice Minister Bridget Prentice has announced. The new courts will be located in Eastern England, East Midlands, London, North East, North West, South West, West Midlands and Yorkshire and Humberside.
Domestic Violence Victims To Receive Extra Support
Victims of Domestic Violence will receive extra help and support from 18 new Specialist Domestic Violence Courts, Justice Minister Bridget Prentice has announced. The new courts will be located in Eastern England, East Midlands, London, North East, North West, South West, West Midlands and Yorkshire and Humberside.
26 January 2005
Harman to deliver speech on domestic violence privacy law
Solicitor General Harriet Harman will discuss a new law protecting the identities of domestic violence victims at a conference tomorrow. Ms Harman, who is the keynote speaker at the Domestic Abuse Regional Conference, in Newmarket, will discuss the new law, which grants courts the power to prevent the press and media from identifying a witness.
Harman to deliver speech on domestic violence privacy law
Solicitor General Harriet Harman will discuss a new law protecting the identities of domestic violence victims at a conference tomorrow. Ms Harman, who is the keynote speaker at the Domestic Abuse Regional Conference, in Newmarket, will discuss the new law, which grants courts the power to prevent the press and media from identifying a witness.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
