Victims minister joined more than 100 frontline
professionals, police and charity representatives today in
Birmingham, as part of a new blueprint to transform how the
country deals with domestic abuse.
Some 50,000 domestic abuse incidents and crimes were reported to
West Midlands police last year. Today (22 March 2018) the
Minister heard views from a range of local experts and charities
on what more can be done to support victims and tackle this
devastating crime.
The event is a key part of a major government consultation on the
issue, and the first of 6 to be held across the country– where
the crucial insight gathered will be used to inform a landmark
Domestic Abuse Bill.
Taking part in discussion groups, the Minister took away
productive contributions on promoting awareness of abuse,
improving services for victims and suggestions on how, together,
we can best put an end to domestic abuse once and for all.
The consultation was launched earlier this month (8 March) with
vital contributions also being sought from survivors and the
public.
Victims Minister said:
Domestic abuse is an appalling crime, which destroys too many
lives.
It is so important that we get this legislation right. Events
such as this will help us understand how we can come together
and end this devastating form of abuse, that can have a
lifelong impact on its victims and on families.
Maureen Connolly, Birmingham & Solihull’s Women’s Aid said:
Through events like today we are ensuring we get the
multi-agency and cross-government response needed to tackle
this issue which devastates so many lives.
This is a once in a generation opportunity to shape legislation
that has the potential to make real and effective change for
women and children affected by abuse.
We owe a duty to women and children brave enough to seek our
support to match their courage and provide the necessary social
and welfare infrastructure to enable them to be safe.
Since 2010 the government has made tackling domestic abuse an
absolute priority, with the consultation being a significant step
in developing measures to be included in the draft Domestic Abuse
Bill.
Proposals set out in the consultation include new Domestic Abuse
Protection Orders to better shield victims against further abuse
by enabling courts to impose a range of conditions on abusers.
Measures also include plans to toughen sentences in this area,
including where the abuse involves or affects a child; and the
creation of a Domestic Abuse Commissioner to hold the government
to account.
Economic abuse will be recognised for the first time as a type of
domestic abuse, covering controlling circumstances in which
victims have finances withheld, are denied access to employment
or transport, or are forced to take out loans and enter into
other financial contracts. This recognition will help frontline
professionals, law enforcement officers and prosecutors take
action more quickly and effectively to better support victims.
Further events will be held in Newcastle, Cardiff, Manchester,
London and Exeter.
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