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NI makes coercive control criminal offence

British regional flag of Northern Ireland

Controlling or coercive behaviour is now against the law in Northern Ireland. The province has enacted legislation introduced in other parts of the United Kingdom during the past decade. The Domestic Abuse and Civil Proceedings Act (Northern Ireland) 2021 covers psychological, emotional or financial abuse of another person as well as sexual, technological or digital […]

Abuser’s sentence increased

Handcuffed man behind prison bars

The appeal court has found the original sentence on a man who left his ex-partner dependent on carers to be unduly lenient and increased his jail term to 17½ years plus four years on licence. Adam Fleming of Ramsgate was originally imprisoned for 14 years with four years on licence for causing grievous bodily harm […]

International: professional cyclist sentenced for DA

Cyclist rides on bicycle, speed effect

French professional cyclist Alexandre Geniez has been given a four-month suspended sentence after being convicted of domestic abuse against his ex-wife. The TotalEnergies rider had denied the allegations. “We recognise the threats, but we contest the physical violence,” cycling journals quoted Geniez’s lawyers as telling the court in Rodez, southern France. Prosecutors had requested Geniez […]

Child protection referrals are tip of DA iceberg, says NSPCC

Police in England and Wales made 244,000 referrals – a daily average of 668 – to social services for children affected by domestic abuse in 2020/21, according to NSPCC analysis of official data. The numbers represents an 8% increase on the previous year. “Sadly, we know these figures are the tip of the iceberg as […]

Survey reveals extent grown-up children abuse their parents

A study into the near-70,000 domestic abuse cases reported to Lancashire police in the 27 months to February 2021 found one-in-ten (10.7%) were committed by people aged 16 and over towards a parental figure. Previous studies have primarily focused on adolescent perpetrators, but the fresh research suggests it is not just them who abuse their […]

Report calls for online DA courts in Scotland

Flag of Scotland - also known as St Andrew's Cross or the Saltire, is the national flag of Scotland.

Specialist courts should be set up online to deal with domestic abuse cases, Scotland’s Virtual Trials National Project Board has recommended. Such hearings could increase protection and reduce trauma for complaints and make it easier for witnesses to give evidence, the board argues. Following a pilot scheme in Inverness and Aberdeen from which board members […]

NHS to boost support for abuse survivors in England

Hospital corridor at night

The National Health Service in England is adding to specialist services for victims of domestic violence or sexual assault, especially those with complex, trauma-related mental health needs. The NHS is appointing two clinical leads, providing dedicated domestic violence support and launching a campaign to raise awareness of the help available. Backers include former Prime Minister […]

Government increases support for DA victims

Westminster will give a further £125m to English councils from April to ensure refuges, shelters and other safe accommodation spaces can offer support services to domestic abuse survivors. The funding will cover healthcare, interpreters, immigration advice, drug or alcohol support, access to social workers and benefits, and other specialist services as required. The department for […]

INTERNATIONAL: rise in Ireland’s domestic abuse cases

The National flag of Ireland

Irish police responded to 48,400 domestic abuse incidents last year, a 10% increase on 2020, resulting in a 13% rise to 8,600 in charges for crimes involving an element of domestic abuse. Additionally, charges for breaches of domestic violence orders went up 6% to 4,250. The figures show that police have the capacity and resolve […]

DV victims given more time to report assaults

Big Ben Clock Tower and House of Parliament in the night, London, UK

The Westminster government is to extend the deadline for domestic violence survivors in England and Wales to report common assault or battery against them. Currently, prosecutions must start within six months of the offence. Under a proposed amendment to the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill, that becomes within six months of the date police […]