International: a Clare’s Law introduced in Malta
Maltese residents who suspect that their partner might turn abusive or aggressive towards them now have the right to apply to the Victim Support Agency to inquire if their other half has ever been found guilty of domestic violence. The process will involve a meeting with an agency official to show proof of the relationship, […]
Unwanted Prisoner Contact Service
The Unwanted Prisoner Contact Service is a national service that stops victims of crime, including domestic abuse survivors, witnesses or any member of the public, receiving unwanted contact from prisoners. Who can use it? It can be used by anyone who wishes to stop contact from prisoners. It protects victims of crime and survivors of […]
Inspectorate finds many at risk of DA from people on probation
The probation service of England and Wales appears to have made little progress in recent years to improve its practices in guarding against domestic abuse, according to chief inspector of probation Justin Russell. “This is unacceptable and is leaving far too many potential victims at risk of domestic abuse,” he said. He was commenting after […]
Welsh government targets male perpetrators
The Welsh Government has launched the ‘Sound’ campaign to encourage men between 18 and 34 to reflect on their behaviours when it comes to violence against women and domestic abuse. “We want to make Wales the safest place for women to live fear free,” said minister for social justice Jane Hutt. “Early intervention and prevention […]
Parliament acts to prevent abuse via child maintenance
The Westminster Parliament have approved a bill to allow the Child Maintenance Service (CMS) to intervene on behalf of parents where domestic abuse is evident. Extension of the existing Collect and Pay system will enable victims-survivors to receive child support directly without risking further abuse by the perpetrator, according to the government. The Child Support […]
Thousands receive DA training in West Yorkshire
The West Yorkshire police force has given specialist domestic abuse training to 3,210 officers, staff and employees from partner agencies across the county since March. Written by SafeLives, the Domestic Abuse Matters culture change programme recognises the difficult role frontline officers have in dealing with domestic abuse. Therefore, the course provides them with ways they […]
NCDV-linked scheme scoops award
The Domestic Abuse Response Alliance (Dara) has won the Pro Bono Initiative of the Year category in The Lawyer Awards 2023. The legal profession publication recognises excellence by law firms, legal teams and individuals in the UK through the event. A group of law firms set up Dara to represent London-based domestic abuse victims-survivors who […]
Domestic abuse features in VAWG threat assessment
Crimes related to domestic abuse are among the greatest threats women face, according to the first ever country-wide evaluation of threats to women. As violence against women and girls (VAWG) is now prioritised alongside terrorism and serious organised crime as a national threat, the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) conducted a strategic threat and risk […]
Government extends legal aid
More domestic abuse victims-survivors will have access to legal aid in England and Wales after Westminster government reforms have ensured 6m-plus more people are eligible. Those on universal credit and seeking a protection order for themselves or their children against their attackers can more easily obtain legal aid without a means test, the ministry of […]
Debt-hit council delays spending DA funds
Thurrock Council held up using £490,000 allocated to help victims-survivors of domestic abuse, according to an update on domestic abuse and violence against women and girls, given to the unitary authority’s scrutiny committee. “There’s a lot of work we could do when we know there is a lot of people sleeping rough because of domestic […]
