Domestic abuse and sexual offences should be considered as seriously as knife crime and murder, the Westminster government has announced.
An amendment to legislation being considered by parliament will introduce a serious violence duty requiring public bodies to work together to tackle serious violence and can include domestic abuse and sexual offences.
Domestic Abuse Commissioner Nicole Jacobs said of the proposed change: “It sends a very clear message to victims and survivors that tackling and preventing domestic abuse and sexual violence are top priorities and not optional extras. This amendment will ensure there is an early intervention, public health-focused approach to tackling serious violent crime.”
The proposed change is part of government efforts to end violence against women and girls.
