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Inspectorate points to better ways for CPS to handle DA cases

Lion on the Victoria Memorial, a monument to Queen Victoria, Buckingham Palace, London, England

While praising many aspects of how the Crown Prosecution Service deals with domestic abuse cases, His Majesty’s inspectorate for the CPS has recommended a series of improvements. They include developing a consistent approach to trauma training in violence against women and girls (VAWG) casework, drawing on the knowledge of specialist VAWG organisations and focusing on […]

Government toughens up on combatting domestic abuse

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

The Westminster government is introducing a raft of measures with a focus on stopping domestic abuse before it takes place, including a requirement police forces treat violence against women and girls as a national threat. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “This means tackling these crimes will be as important as tackling threats like terrorism, serious […]

Domestic killers face longer jail terms

Domestic Violence With Young Man And Abused Woman

The law will be changed in England and Wales so a history of coercive or controlling behaviour against the victim will be taken into account when judges sentence people who kill their partners or ex-partners, the justice ministry has announced. A public consultation will also be held into whether a higher sentencing starting point of […]

International: DV agency to be set up in Ireland

The National flag of Ireland

The Irish government will present a bill to parliament for a new statutory agency dedicated to tackling and reducing domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. The body will be charged with overseeing and supporting provision of refuge accommodation for victims. The government’s goal is a doubling of safe places by 2026. Due to be operating by […]

New guidance issued to PCCs on handling perpetrators

The Westminster government has published seven guidelines to help police and crime commissioners (PCCs) in England and Wales ensure effective interventions with domestic abuse perpetrators. Up to £36m has also been allocated to the work. The guidance is based on the need for interventions to be conducted at the right time by highly skilled staff. […]

Government grants money for domestic abuse support

Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament at Sunset, Westminster, London, UK

The Westminster government has allocated £257m for English councils spread over the next two years to ensure refuges and other safe accommodation can provide vital support to domestic abuse survivors. The help will include counselling, assistance with rehousing, financial advice and play therapy for children impacted by domestic abuse. The funding follows the introduction of […]

‘Kay’s Law’ brought in

Victims of crimes such as domestic abuse or sexual assault are now better protected following the arrest of alleged perpetrators under new provisions known as ‘Kay’s Law’. The reforms, which come into force in England and Wales late October as part of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act, mean forces have a duty to […]

Home Office issues fresh guidance to help DA victims

Aerial panorama of The City of London, England, UK

New, statutory guidance to enable police, local authorities and others working with survivors of domestic abuse in England and Wales has been published by the home office. Following on from last year’s enactment of the Domestic Abuse Act, the goal is to ensure support meets victims’ complex needs by those working in the field having […]

Thousands of DA victims lose help after legal aid cuts

Newspapers

An estimated 34,000 domestic abuse survivors have been denied support in seeking protection orders in the decade since legal aid was scaled back, according to research by House of Commons library staff. Also, the proportion of publicly funded domestic abuse cases fell from 75% to 47% between 2010-11 and 2020-21 and spending on civil legal […]

Scottish defence lawyers go on DA strike in fees dispute

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

Members of the Scottish Solicitors Bar Association (SSBA) have stopped accepting new instructions in some domestic abuse cases as part of a campaign for better legal aid rates. The action, which began 3 May, relates to section 1 of the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2018 which covers coercive control. “Offences under s.1 of the Act […]