News

Commissioner responds to new statutory aggravating factor for sexually violent homicides

News / April 30, 2025

The Ministry of Justice has today announced: Nicole Jacobs, the Domestic Abuse Commissioner for England and Wales says, “Domestic abuse and sexual violence are closely linked crimes. One in three rapes and sexual assaults are perpetrated by current and ex-partners, and victims of intimate partner rape and sexual violence face particular barriers in finding justice. …

Commissioner responds to new statutory aggravating factor for sexually violent homicides Read More »

Fatal domestic abuse reviews renamed to better recognise suicide cases

News / April 30, 2025

The Home Office has made changes to reviews conducted after fatal domestic abuse, so that they better recognise often hidden victims of domestic abuse who die by suicide, coercive and controlling behaviour, and economic abuse. This means that a review can be commissioned whenever there is a death that has, or appears to have, resulted …

Fatal domestic abuse reviews renamed to better recognise suicide cases Read More »

Domestic Abuse Commissioner responds to government’s ‘Early Resolution’ plans for the Family Court

News / April 30, 2025

Today the Ministry of Justice has published its response to the Private Family Law Early Resolution Consultation which sought views on measures to help families resolve disputes as swiftly and easily possible. The Domestic Abuse Commissioner, Nicole Jacobs says: “The Family Court is critical in keeping child and adult victims safe from abuse. I am …

Domestic Abuse Commissioner responds to government’s ‘Early Resolution’ plans for the Family Court Read More »

Distorted police statistics downplay domestic abuse reports, says Commissioner

News / April 30, 2025

Ten per cent fewer domestic abuse crimes have been recorded in new statistics published today, after police were instructed to deliberately count fewer crimes. In new rules introduced in June 2023, the Home Office has told the police to only count one crime for each time a victim comes forward and allowed police count fewer …

Distorted police statistics downplay domestic abuse reports, says Commissioner Read More »

Domestic Abuse Commissioner welcomes government’s £2million Flexible Funding pot for domestic abuse survivors

News / April 30, 2025

In partnership with Women’s Aid, the government has announced a £2million fund providing financial support to survivors of domestic abuse to help them flee from abusers and begin rebuilding their lives.  Survivors without the financial means to leave their abuser will be able to apply for a one-off payment of up to £500 to help …

Domestic Abuse Commissioner welcomes government’s £2million Flexible Funding pot for domestic abuse survivors Read More »

Services should do more to stop domestic abuse killings, says Domestic Abuse Commissioner

News / April 30, 2025

The vast majority of victims of domestic homicide were in touch with the police, health services and other public agencies before their death, according to research published today by the Domestic Abuse Commissioner and Manchester Metropolitan University. The four thematic reports published today are drawn from a sample of 302 reviews following domestic abuse related …

Services should do more to stop domestic abuse killings, says Domestic Abuse Commissioner Read More »

Domestic Abuse Commissioner welcomes new changes to Victims and Prisoners Bill at Report Stage

News / April 30, 2025

“I am pleased to see the return of the Victims and Prisoners Bill to parliament today. This Bill provides a monumental opportunity to improve access to support and services for victims and survivors of domestic abuse. “I welcome the government’s support of my recommendation to require every commissioner in England to assess the needs of …

Domestic Abuse Commissioner welcomes new changes to Victims and Prisoners Bill at Report Stage Read More »

Domestic Abuse Commissioner responds to new ONS figures on domestic abuse as charge rates remain unacceptably low

News / April 30, 2025

Today the Office of National Statistics has published new figures on domestic abuse which cover the 12 months to 31st March 2023. Responding to this data, the Domestic Abuse Commissioner, Nicole Jacobs, said: “2.1 million people over the age of 16 have been subject to domestic abuse in the past year.* Domestic abuse is a devastating …

Domestic Abuse Commissioner responds to new ONS figures on domestic abuse as charge rates remain unacceptably low Read More »

Domestic Commissioner responds to the Autumn Statement

News / April 30, 2025

The Domestic Abuse Commissioner, Nicole Jacobs, says: “Domestic abuse has a significant personal cost to victims and an economic cost to society of at least £74bn in a year. “I welcome this £12 million funding boost. But we must see more sustainable funding for lifesaving services for victims’ safety and wellbeing. I am calling for …

Domestic Commissioner responds to the Autumn Statement Read More »

Domestic Abuse Commissioner responds to Sentencing Bill and Criminal Justice Bill

News / April 30, 2025

Today, the Home Office and the Ministry of Justice have announced the first reading of two Bills in relation to the criminal justice system: The Domestic Abuse Commissioner, Nicole Jacobs, says: “The criminal justice system needs to improve its response to domestic abuse as a matter of urgency. Just four per cent of domestic abuse …

Domestic Abuse Commissioner responds to Sentencing Bill and Criminal Justice Bill Read More »

Accessibility by WAH