- Longer sentences for murders committed by partners or exes
- DPM pays tribute to courageous campaigners who fought for
historic change
- Part of Government's commitment to halve violence against
women and girls
Heinous offenders who kill their partner, or ex, could face an
additional 10 years in prison, under a change announced today by
the Deputy Prime Minister.
Under the current law, most domestic murders have a 15-year
sentencing starting point, because they take place in the home
with a weapon most likely already at the scene. However, for
other murders where a weapon is taken to the scene with intent,
the starting point is 25 years.
The Government has announced today (30 June) it intends to close
this 10-year gap so that domestic murders are dealt with the same
severity as other murders - regardless of whether they happen at
home or anywhere else.
Domestic murders are among the most devastating crimes and often
represent a culmination of prolonged trauma and abuse.
Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary, said:
For centuries, the law failed to protect women from violence at
the hands of their partner whether from marital rape or from
abuse behind closed doors. Whilst we've made significant
progress, we need to continue righting these wrongs.
This change closes a long overdue gap and will ensure those who
murder their partner face sentences that better reflect the
devastating harm they cause.
I pay tribute to Carole Gould, Julie Devey and Elaine Newborough
whose courageous campaign will help future mothers, daughters and
wives get the justice they deserve.
More than a fifth of all murders are domestic, and overwhelmingly
women are the victims in these cases.
This change forms part of the Government's commitment to halve
Violence Against Women and Girls, and ensure swifter justice for
victims and their families.
The change will also include important safeguards to further
protect victims. This means in cases where a victim of domestic
abuse kills their abuser, the existing 15-year baseline starting
point will still apply.
This change was only made possible by this Government stabilising
the prison system and introducing the Sentencing Act to ensure
that the most dangerous offenders can always be put behind
bars.
ENDS
Notes to editors
- This change to the law is subject to consultation with the
Sentencing Council.
- This measure will be introduced as soon as possible.
- Further policy details, including the application to children
who murder, will be outlined in due course.
- The new starting point will apply to future murders after the
date of implementation and will not be applied retrospectively.
- This work is being conducted alongside the Law Commission's
review of homicide law and sentencing, to address the disparity
as quickly as possible, ahead of the review's conclusion in 2028.
