#Domestic abuse
Victim advocates play “invaluable” role in justice system – new research
A new report from the Victims' Commissioner spotlights the crucial role victim advocates play in supporting victims through the criminal justice process.
BLOG: As my survey shows, women are still not getting good treatment in our justice system
As we kick off 16 Days of Activism, Baroness Newlove reacts to fresh survey findings showing women’s low confidence and satisfaction in the criminal justice system.
Ministry of Justice to exempt high-risk offenders from the presumption against shorter sentences
Victims' Commissioner welcomes Ministry of Justice moves to exempt high-risk offenders from the presumption against shorter sentences, but underscores the need for robust pre-sentence reports and a properly resourced Probation Service.
Policing watchdogs’ super-complaint on police-perpetrated domestic abuse a “missed opportunity”
Dame Vera Baird QC said the report's conclusions "fall short" as she continued to press for the establishment of a national policing protocol.
Report urges police forces to stay alert to ‘Covid blaming’ as an excuse or defence by suspects
Responding to the report's findings, the Victims' Commissioner said: "we must not set a precedent whereby defendants are able to use the stresses of lockdown as a justification or defence for killing," as she warned agencies to be "hyper-alert to any form of 'Covid blaming.'"
Lack of bail conditions put domestic abuse victims at risk, finds new HMICFRS report
"To create a system that provides real protection for victims, there needs to be better effective enforcement of breaches of bail," says Victims Commissioner as she calls for breaches of pre-charge bail to be made a criminal offence.
BLOG: The new domestic abuse law is a much-improved piece of legislation that will save lives. But we can – and must – go further.
As the Domestic Abuse Bill finally receives Royal Assent, the Victims' Commissioner congratulates campaigners and the government in her latest blog.
Ministry of Justice to review laws that see domestic abuse victims get ‘disproportionately high’ sentences for acting in self-defence
Dame Vera Baird and Nicole Jacobs welcome moves by the Lord Chancellor to review sentencing for women who use weapons in self-defence against their abusers
Victims’ Commissioner welcomes government commitment to consult on community-based domestic abuse services
Dame Vera Baird "really pleased" by government move to consult on community-based domestic abuse services as part of the Victims Law consultation
Response to domestic homicide shows “a culture of misogyny in the criminal justice system,” say Commissioners
Writing to Ministers on International Women’s Day, the Domestic Abuse Commissioner and Victims Commissioner outline their concerns on sentencing and call for every domestic homicide to be subject to an independent review