News

Statement from the Domestic Abuse Commissioner in response to the Lord Chancellor’s statement on the Gauke review

Domestic Abuse Commissioner, Dame Nicole Jacobs, said: “Following the Lord Chancellor’s statement on the Gauke review, I am encouraged to hear the government recognising the unique risk domestic abusers and stalkers pose to their victims. “It’s right that any perpetrator who breaches a stalking or domestic abuse protective order should still be eligible for a …

Statement from the Domestic Abuse Commissioner in response to the Lord Chancellor’s statement on the Gauke review Read More »

Statement from the Domestic Abuse Commissioner in response to the publication of the Gauke review

Domestic Abuse Commissioner for England and Wales, Dame Nicole Jacobs, said: “By adopting these measures the government will be sending a clear message to domestic abusers that they can now offend with little consequence. “I recognise the difficult situation ministers are in and that our approach to sentencing must change to address the prison capacity …

Statement from the Domestic Abuse Commissioner in response to the publication of the Gauke review Read More »

Domestic Abuse Commissioner responds to emergency changes to recall measures to ease prison capacity crisis

Domestic Abuse Commissioner, Dame Nicole Jacobs, said: “I cannot stress the lack of consideration for victims’ safety and how many lives are being put in danger because of this proposed change. “You are not sent to prison for four years if you do not pose significant risk to your victim or the wider public. Perpetrators …

Domestic Abuse Commissioner responds to emergency changes to recall measures to ease prison capacity crisis Read More »

Thousands of children facing domestic abuse alone as support services risk financial collapse

Domestic Abuse Commissioner warns that the government’s commitment to halve violence against women and girls (VAWG) is at risk without urgent funding for specialist domestic abuse services. Over a quarter of domestic abuse services (27%) surveyed in England and Wales are having to turn children away from vital support amid severe funding shortages, new research …

Thousands of children facing domestic abuse alone as support services risk financial collapse Read More »

Commissioner responds to the government’s evaluation of Pathfinder Family Court pilots

Today, 27th March 2025, the government has released its evaluation of the Pathfinder Family Court approach, outlining the positive impact of domestic abuse informed, child-inclusive and efficient proceedings.   The Pathfinder Courts have acted as trials for a nationwide model to replace the current model which has been criticised for being adversarial, minimising domestic abuse and …

Commissioner responds to the government’s evaluation of Pathfinder Family Court pilots Read More »

Commissioner responds to the number of domestic abuse related suicides overtaking intimate partner killings for the second year in a row

Today, 25th March 2025, findings from the Domestic Homicide Project show that for a second year in a row, suspected suicides following domestic abuse have overtaken the number of homicides involving current or previous partners. Responding to these findings and the wider report the Domestic Abuse Commissioner, Dame Nicole Jacobs, said: “Every life lost to …

Commissioner responds to the number of domestic abuse related suicides overtaking intimate partner killings for the second year in a row Read More »

Greater clarity from UK government needed on reform to the criminal justice system to better protect survivors

Today, the UK government has published its initial response to my report – Shifting the Scales – that lifted the lid on the criminal justice system and its response to domestic abuse.   Instead of being a lifeline to victims – who in the face of incredible trauma seek justice – I found a system that …

Greater clarity from UK government needed on reform to the criminal justice system to better protect survivors Read More »

Commissioner responds to introduction of Crime and Policing Bill

Today the Crime and Policing Bill will be introduced in Parliament. Responding, the Domestic Abuse Commissioner for England and Wales, Dame Nicole Jacobs, said: “I’m pleased to see the Crime and Policing Bill being introduced today with an emphasis on tackling violence against women and girls and providing greater protection to victims of stalking. It …

Commissioner responds to introduction of Crime and Policing Bill Read More »

Commissioner calls to end justice lottery for domestic abuse victims

Read the Commissioner’s new report Shifting the scales: Transforming the criminal justice response to domestic abuse. Full report here, Executive summary here. Domestic abuse victims are being failed by the criminal justice system at every stage – from police to probation – according to a report published today by the Domestic Abuse Commissioner. The report …

Commissioner calls to end justice lottery for domestic abuse victims Read More »

Nicole Jacobs awarded Damehood for services to domestic abuse victims and survivors

We are delighted to announce that Nicole Jacobs, the Domestic Abuse Commissioner for England and Wales, has been awarded a Damehood in recognition of her exceptional dedication to supporting victims and survivors of domestic abuse. ​ Since her appointment in 2019, Dame Nicole’s leadership has been instrumental in amplifying the voices of victims and survivors, …

Nicole Jacobs awarded Damehood for services to domestic abuse victims and survivors Read More »