On 30 March 2022, Home Secretary, Priti Patel launched a new Tackling Domestic Abuse Plan. The objective is to prioritise the prevention of Domestic Abuse crimes, support victims and pursue perpetrators.
The need of such a plan arises because 2.3 million people in England and Wales experienced domestic abuse last year and around one in five homicides were related to domestic abuse.
Perpetrators: The plan includes new measures, such as the option for creating a register of domestic abusers which could require perpetrators to take actions such as reporting to the Police when changing address or opening a bank account with a new partner; increasing electronic tagging and investing £75,000,000.00 on directly addressing abusers’ behaviour as part of an overall £81,000,000.00 investment over the next three years.
Victims: The plans sees the doubling of funding for the National Domestic Abuse Helpline, a commitment to reviewing the Statutory Leave Laws for the victims of domestic abuse, and also funding 700 independent domestic violence and sexual violence advocate roles with additional funding for 300 roles later in the year to refer and support victims and survivors.
Prevention: The plan sets out key actions to prevent domestic abuse such as a package of support for teachers to deliver the relationship, sex and health education curriculum to ensure that children learn about healthy relationships early on, making it easier to access information on partners or ex-partners. It will also include revising and consulting upon the current guidance in relation to the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme, known as Clare’s Law. Further, work will be undertaken with National Police Chiefs, Council to review Police Forces which record the highest rates of domestic homicide and search domestic abuse crimes.
The plan also intends to improve the systems and processes that underpin the response to domestic abuse across society. As solicitors who come across domestic abuse in many areas of our work, we will be keeping a close eye on the proposed changes.
If you would like to arrange a confidential chat with one of our experienced family law solicitors as to how they can support you, or you would like further information on the services we offer, please call 01206 835320 or contact us