28/07/2014

Domestic Abusers Are Let Off With A Slap On The Wrist - Labour

More than 10,000 domestic abusers are being let off with a "slap on the wrist", according to Labour's Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper.

In a speech in Birmingham she accused ministers of "downgrading action on violence against women".

Labour obtained data from 15 police forces which confirmed 3,305 of 'community resolutions' were used last year.

Miss Cooper said: "Domestic violence is an incredibly serious crime. Two women a week are killed by their partner or an ex, and 750,000 children will grow up witnessing domestic violence.

"For the police to simply take a violent abuser home to apologise risks making domestic violence worse and makes it even harder for victims to escape a cycle of abuse.

"Labour has called on the Government previously to prevent the use of community resolutions for serious crimes, including domestic violence. Today's figures reveal that nothing has been done.

"Community resolutions can be very effective for things like anti-social behaviour. But they shouldn't be used for violent offences, and especially not for domestic violence. That is why Labour is committed to banning their use for domestic and sexual violence."

(CD/JP)

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