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21/08/2009
Victims Of Domestic Violence Protected
Greater protection for victims of harassment, including domestic abuse, will come into effect next month, the government confirmed today.
From September 30, courts in England and Wales will have more freedom to grant restraining orders when abusers appear before them, giving victims immediate protection and sparing them the ordeal of a separate civil action.
Currently, courts can only issue restraining orders following conviction for two types of offences: harassment or putting someone in fear of violence.
Under the new rules an order can be made following conviction for any offence and even where someone is acquitted in order to better protect victims. Breaking the terms of a restraining order is a criminal offence punishable by up to five years in prison.
Today's announcement coincides with the publication of the National Domestic Violence Delivery Plan 2008/9.
Home Office Minister Lord West said: "Domestic violence is a devastating crime which impacts across all communities.
"The additional powers announced today will also help victims in need of immediate protection and spare them the need to take separate civil action."
The Minister for Women and Equality, Harriet Harman, said the new restraining orders will mean that women don't have to go from pillar to post, immediately giving her protection from harassment.
The report shows that the government has made significant headway in ensuring perpetrators of violence against women are effectively dealt with and victims supported.
(GK/KMcA)
From September 30, courts in England and Wales will have more freedom to grant restraining orders when abusers appear before them, giving victims immediate protection and sparing them the ordeal of a separate civil action.
Currently, courts can only issue restraining orders following conviction for two types of offences: harassment or putting someone in fear of violence.
Under the new rules an order can be made following conviction for any offence and even where someone is acquitted in order to better protect victims. Breaking the terms of a restraining order is a criminal offence punishable by up to five years in prison.
Today's announcement coincides with the publication of the National Domestic Violence Delivery Plan 2008/9.
Home Office Minister Lord West said: "Domestic violence is a devastating crime which impacts across all communities.
"The additional powers announced today will also help victims in need of immediate protection and spare them the need to take separate civil action."
The Minister for Women and Equality, Harriet Harman, said the new restraining orders will mean that women don't have to go from pillar to post, immediately giving her protection from harassment.
The report shows that the government has made significant headway in ensuring perpetrators of violence against women are effectively dealt with and victims supported.
(GK/KMcA)
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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.
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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.
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
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20 May 2009
Met Officers Launch Hate Crime Crackdown
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Met Officers Launch Hate Crime Crackdown
Police in London are carrying out a series of raids today to crack down on 'hate' and domestic crime. Operation Athena is underway to mark the International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO) and is designed to focus on bringing offenders to justice.
22 May 2003
Domestic violence groups get £2m cash boost
Up to 36 domestic violence research projects will be boosted today by a £2 million cash injection allowing them to transfer their services into mainstream local agencies, the Home Office announced today. The projects were set up three years ago as temporary projects to research the best ways of cutting domestic violence, rape and sexual assault.
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29 September 2009
Domestic Violence Victims' Aid Proposed
Violent partners will be banned from their homes and their victims given support to escape abuse under new proposals due to be unveiled today by Home Secretary Alan Johnson.
Domestic Violence Victims' Aid Proposed
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A cloudy day with a little light rain or drizzle at times, but some spells of drier weather too. The north coast may become somewhat brighter later this afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Cloudy and patchy light rain will slowly clear away this evening. Then the rest of the night will be dry with broken cloud. Westerly winds freshening in the early hours. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
