Today, the Domestic Abuse Commissioner has published a briefing highlighting her immediate priorities for change in the criminal justice response to domestic abuse.
The briefing includes early findings from her report into this subject which will be published and laid before Parliament at the end of the year.
This week we have seen perpetrators of domestic abuse released from prison early under ‘SDS40’ and pressures across the system continue to increase. So it is more important than ever to address the long-standing issues in the criminal justice system at their source, in order to ensure victims of domestic abuse receive the support they need.
The Commissioner firmly believes that every victim, no matter who they are or where they live, should feel safe to report abuse to police and be met with a compassionate, supportive response which enables them to access safety and justice – whatever this means to them.
Unfortunately, victims consistently report being let down across the criminal justice system, which impacts their likelihood of continuing through the process and accessing support again.
Year after year we continue to see lives lost as a result of domestic abuse. We know this is preventable. That’s why change is urgently needed.
This briefing precedes the Commissioner’s full report and recommendations on the criminal justice response to domestic abuse which will be published later this year.