Theresa May, Home Secretary, has announced that there will be a
consultation on Strengthening the Law on Domestic Abuse. This could result in a new offence being
created which will provide protection for victims from coercive and controlling
behaviour in intimate relationships.
At present the Government categorises domestic abuse as "any
incident or pattern of incidents of controlling behaviour, violence or abuse
between those aged 16 or over who are, or have been, intimate partners or
family members regardless of gender or sexuality".
Despite the Government using this definition of domestic abuse there is
currently no single criminal offence of 'domestic abuse' to protect
victims. However, there are crimes such
as assault, battery and harassment that do offer some protection.
The Consultation is looking at whether there should be a specific
offence "outlining that coercive and controlling behaviour in an intimate
relationship is criminal".
If a new criminal offence is passed victims must be provided with
support in accessing the criminal justice system. Further, there will need to be training to
front line police officers in approaching these matters in a way that does not
intimidate the victims further.
This is a public consultation and you can have your say by visiting www.gov.uk. The consultation closes on 15th October 2014.
