North Swindon MP Backs New Laws To Tackle Domestic Abuse

The Government’s announcement of a consultation on new laws on domestic abuse has been welcomed by North Swindon MP, Justin Tomlinson.

The consultation sets out proposals for new laws and stronger powers to protect & support survivors of domestic abuse, which would transform the Government’s approach to this terrible crime.

The Prime Minister Theresa May, Home Secretary Amber Rudd and Justice Secretary David Gauke, will seek views on measures to be included in the Government’s draft Domestic Abuse Bill, and are keen to hear from all those who have been affected by abuse including survivors, front line professionals, charities, and the public.

Justin has campaigned on this issue for many years; working with Swindon’s Women’s Refuge to highlight the issue, and bring attention to the important work it does to support survivors of this terrible crime, as well as nationally on the Football United Against Domestic Violence campaign which he helped launch in Parliament alongside Women's Aid.

Among proposals set out in the consultation is a new Domestic Abuse Protection Order to better shield victims against further abuse by enabling courts to impose a range of conditions on abusers. These could include compulsory alcohol treatment, attending a programme to address underlying attitudes or addictions, and using electronic tagging to monitor offenders. Under the proposals, breaching the order would become a criminal offence.

Also proposed is the creation of a statutory aggravating factor in sentencing for domestic abuse, similar to those already in law for hate crimes, to toughen sentences when it involves or affects a child, and the creation of a Domestic Abuse Commissioner to hold the Government to account.

Economic Abuse, where a partner coercively controls a person by limiting their access to finances, will be recognised for the first time as a type of domestic abuse. This recognition will improve understanding among frontline professionals, law enforcement officers and prosecutors so action can be taken more quickly and effectively to better support victims.

The Government is also seeking views on how the £20m announced last year should be allocated.

Proposals will see £8 million of the fund allocated to support children who witness domestic abuse, and help with their recovery through locally commissioned projects. This will address the issue of children who witness domestic abuse - studies have shown that adults who as a child witnessed domestic abuse are far more likely to experience abuse by a partner as an adult.

Another £2 million will be dedicated to supporting female offenders who have been victims, as over 60% have indicated they have experienced domestic abuse.

As part of these important initiatives designed to make tackling domestic abuse everybody’s business. £2 million will be used to extend a healthcare pathfinder pilot across further hospital trusts and help direct domestic abuse victims to the full range of services they need.

The Government is also completely committed to developing a sustainable funding model for refuges, and to ensuring that there is no postcode lottery when it comes to provision across the country. That is why we are reviewing the way in which refuges and supported housing are delivered.

Yesterday changes also came into effect making it easier for the estimated 12,000 survivors of domestic abuse living in refuges to register to vote anonymously. They will now be able to register to vote without their name and address appearing on the electoral roll, and without the fear of their former partners finding their address.

Justin Tomlinson MP said: “Domestic Abuse is an abhorrent crime, and those who experience it are affected for years after it stops - often for life. Just like my colleagues in Government, I am dedicated to eliminating domestic abuse and have campaigned on this issue for many years. I have worked with Swindon’s Women’s Refuge to highlight the issue, and bring attention to the important work it does to support survivors of this terrible crime, as well as nationally on the Football United Against Domestic Violence campaign which I helped launch in Parliament alongside Women's Aid.”