Blunkett announces 'biggest overhaul' of domestic violence law

The Home Secretary has today announced what he describes as the "biggest overhaul of domestic violence law in 30 years", offering a series of new powers for the police and courts.

Proposals in the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Bill, along with a raft of other measures announced today that do not need legislation, would "strengthen" the rights of victims and witnesses, ensuring they receive the "help, support and protection they need".

The Bill contains two new measures to close legal loopholes: parents co-accused of their child's murder would be unable to escape punishment by remaining silent or blaming each other; and criminals who commit so many crimes that they cannot be dealt with in one trial will no longer escape full punishment - a particular problem in cases such as theft, fraud, counterfeiting and internet child pornography.

The package of reforms also includes: a penalty of up to five years in jail for breaking a non-molestation order; giving courts the power to impose a restraining order where a defendant has been acquitted but the court believes the victim needs protection; a new code of practice for victims giving them statutory rights for the first time; and a new independent commissioner for victims.

Home Secretary David Blunkett said: "Domestic violence is an abhorrent crime, which costs the lives of two women every week, and accounts for almost a quarter of all violent crime. This largely hidden, much under-reported crime tears apart the lives of far too many families, terrorising and brutalising them in their own home - the very place they should feel safe.

"The government is determined to tackle domestic violence, and is bringing forward the biggest reform of the law in this area in 30 years. I intend to make sure that victims get the help, support and protection they need, and to make sure that the police and the courts have the powers they need to convict and punish these offenders."

Solicitor General, Harriet Harman added: "There is no excuse for domestic violence. The Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Bill is a tough new law which will protect women and offer violent men a choice: stop the violence or you will face prison."

Other measures in the Bill include making it an arrestable, criminal offence to breach a non-molestation order, with penalty of up to five years in prison. Common assault will also be made an arrestable offence.

The civil law on Domestic Violence will be reformed so that cohabiting same-sex couples have the same protection as heterosexual couples, and extending the availability of non-molestation orders to couples who have never lived together or have never been married.

Also, more than £6,500,000 will be allocated over three years to a number of national and local projects and initiatives, including funding to help Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships (CDRPs) improve local action to tackle domestic violence.

(gmcg)