The role of Domestic Abuse Commissioner will lead on
driving improvements on the response to domestic abuse
in the UK, championing victims and making
recommendations on what more should be done to better
protect victims and bring more offenders to justice.
Home Secretary said:
Domestic abuse is unacceptable, and I am absolutely
determined to do all I can to protect victims and
their families and ensure perpetrators face tough
action.
I am delighted that Nicole will be taking on the
crucial role as Commissioner and acting as a voice
for those who need it most.
Also today, the Home Secretary will co-chair a
roundtable with the Secretary of State for Justice,
, to listen to the
experiences and concerns of victims of sexual violence
and to understand better what barriers could be
preventing victims from engaging with the criminal
justice system.
Designate Domestic Abuse Commissioner Nicole Jacobs
said:
Establishing the Office of the Domestic Abuse
Commissioner shows the government’s commitment to
reducing harm and improving the lives of those who
experience domestic abuse.
It is an honour and a privilege to be appointed as
the first Commissioner and I intend to raise the
voices of victims and survivors of all ages, status
and background and ensure that we shine a light on
practice that fails them.
Minister for Safeguarding and Vulnerability, , said:
The focus of the Commissioner will be to stand up for
victims and survivors, raise public awareness and
hold both agencies and government to account in
tackling domestic abuse.
I look forward to working with Nicole, and together
we can bring about the most comprehensive package of
measures ever attempted in England and Wales.
The independent Office of Domestic Abuse Commissioner
will be tasked with encouraging good practice in
preventing domestic abuse; identifying both those at
risk of abuse as well as those perpetrating it and
improving the protection and provision of support to
those affected by domestic abuse. They will also be
able to publish reports that hold statutory agencies
and the government to account.
Ms Jacobs will initially work as the designate
Commissioner until the Commissioner’s Office is placed
on a statutory footing. Both the Prime Minister and the
Home Secretary have stated their commitment to tackling
domestic abuse, with commitments to bring in
legislation during the Queen’s Speech.
During her career, Ms Jacobs has worked in a number of
roles linked to domestic abuse, including as a
frontline practitioner, in senior operational and
management roles, and as a trainer and strategic
leader. She will take up the role this week.
