Plans unveiled to tackle domestic violence

The government set out plans today to tackle domestic violence – a crime which claims the lives of two women every week.

Home Secretary David Blunkett said that violence is no more acceptable in the home than it is on the street and called on people to give their views on the proposals during a 12-week consultation.

The plans for England and Wales include: education and advice for victims; making common assault an arrestable offence; making it a criminal offence to breach a civil order such as a non-molestation order and providing stronger legal protection for victims through extending the use of restraining orders.

There will also be a register of civil orders to allow faster background-checking and more refuge places.

Mr Blunkett said: "Domestic violence has many causes, many forms. But it is important that the system is coherent and effective and able to help prevent such violence as well as tackling the underlying causes."

More than £19 million has been invested to ensure that victims who are still subject to immigration control can have access to refuge support.

The Tory Party welcomed the proposals as necessary in the fight against a crime which results in the deaths of two women and up to two children a week.

Shadow Minister for Women, Caroline Spelman MP, said: "We will be taking advice from contacts in the field of domestic violence during the process of this Green Paper and will work with them, and the government, to help make this legislation really effective in an area which is often a matter of life or death."

According to the 2001/2002 British Crime Survey, 27% of violence takes place in the home.

One-in-four women and one-in-six men will be a victim of domestic violence - a crime that has the highest rate of repeat victimisation.

(GMcG)