Tougher punishment for domestic violence involving children
Written by News on 29/05/2017
Those committing domestic violence against children will face tougher punishment under new Conservative proposals.
Theresa May’s party is setting out a Domestic Violence and Abuse Bill, which will create an aggravated offence which will allow harsher sentences where children are victims of the crime.
There would also be a domestic violence and abuse commissioner created to speak up for domestic violence victims and to hold police and the criminal justice system to account.
The proposals were contained in the Conservative Party manifesto, which also promised a review of funding for refuges and support for victims who leave their abusive partners.
Diana Barran, chief executive of domestic violence charity SafeLives, welcomed the plan, saying: "We need a practical and visible commissioner who can work with specialist services, local commissioners, policy makers and crucially with survivors."
Sandra Horley, chief executive of national domestic violence charity Refuge, said: "We hope that a dedicated commissioner and new act will bring the sea change that is needed to give victims the protection they need and deserve."
There are around two million victims of domestic abuse every year, although numbers have been going down.
The way reports of domestic violence are dealt with varies across the country and despite improvements, it is estimated that only a fifth of victims report their abuse.
The Prime Minister said: "The last seven years of Conservative government have delivered real steps towards tackling domestic violence – we are punishing more perpetrators, and helping more victims get refuge and justice.
"But we will launch a relentless drive to help survivors find justice and increase the number of successful prosecutions.
"This hidden scandal, that takes place every day in homes across Britain, must be tackled head on. And we must respond to the devastating and lifelong impact that domestic abuse has on children, who carry the effects into adulthood."
(c) Sky News 2017: Tougher punishment for domestic violence involving children
