has today announced plans to
transform the way we think about and tackle domestic violence and
abuse – one of the most widespread and heinous offences, but one
where victims are often let down by the legal system.
Domestic violence and abuse shatters lives but the way we deal
with it at the moment does not go far enough – with a plethora of
different offences and procedures scattered across the statute
book.
This lack of clarity has led to an unacceptable diversity across
the country in terms of the degree of effort put in to try and
tackle it. Although the prosecution of, and convictions for, such
offences have started to improve in recent years, there is
inconsistency in the use and effectiveness of the various law
enforcement measures across the country.
In recognition of this, the Prime Minister has announced plans
for a major new programme of work leading towards bringing
forward a Domestic Violence and Abuse Act.
The programme of work will look at what more can be done to
improve support for victims especially in the way the law, and
legal procedures, currently work for such victims. Experts in
this area will be invited to contribute ideas and proposals for
improving the way the system works which is likely to lead to
legislation - making it much easier for law enforcement bodies to
find and use more consistently the measures at their disposal.
The Prime Minister will also ask for any potential ‘quick wins’
in the intervening period to be identified and acted upon. The
Prime Minister will directly oversee this work, which will be
truly cross Governmental – but coordinated by the Home Office and
the Ministry of Justice.
Like the Modern Slavery Act, the Prime Minister believes that the
measures that come out of this work will raise public awareness
of the problem – as well as encourage victims to report their
abusers and see them brought to justice.
Prime Minister said;
“Domestic violence and abuse is a life shattering and absolutely
abhorrent crime; tackling it is a key priority for this
Government – and something I have always attached a personal
importance to, both as Home Secretary and now as Prime Minister.
I am clear that we need to build on the measures I introduced as
Home Secretary – including the new offence of ‘Controlling and
Coercive Behaviour’, Domestic Violence Protection Orders, and the
Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme – and ensure that no stone
will be left unturned in delivering a system that increases
convictions, and works better for victims.
She added:
“I believe that the plans I have announced today have the
potential to completely transform the way we think about and
tackle domestic violence and abuse. There are thousands of people
who are suffering at the hands of abusers – often isolated, and
unaware of the options and support available to them to end it.
Given the central importance of victim evidence to support
prosecutions in this area, raising public awareness – as well as
consolidating the law – will prove crucial.”
