#Domestic abuse
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
Victims’ Commissioner welcomes Government’s new clauses to the Domestic Abuse Bill and urges them to go further
The Victims' Commissioner congratulates the Government on listening to domestic abuse campaigners in adding new laws to Domestic Abuse Bill, and urges further steps.
Commissioners issue joint call for community-based support services in Domestic Abuse Bill
In a joint statement, the Commissioners write that without the amendment the Domestic Abuse Bill "risks creating a two-tier system" leaving victims without appropriate support.
Victims’ Commissioner responds to the announcement of £40m to support services for rape and domestic abuse survivors
Dame Vera Baird welcomes renewed investment in ISVAs and IDVAs but stresses the need for long-term, sustainable funding for the sector.
Commissioner welcomes ‘Ask For ANI’ codeword scheme launched in pharmacies
"It is incredibly important that victims and survivors know there are safe spaces and lifelines within their own communities," says Dame Vera Baird, as she welcomes the launch of the codeword scheme.
Police to implement strict bail conditions on domestic abuse and sexual violence suspects under new measures
Victims’ Commissioner welcomes “welcome and clear-sighted move” by Home Secretary to reverse and end the presumption against bail, which “was a misconceived move” and “bad for victims.”
GPs charging domestic abuse victims up to £150 to confirm injuries
Dame Vera Baird said it was "incredibly frustrating and disappointing" to find GPs were still charging. "This fee must be abolished – it’s as simple as that."
Commissioners endorse non-fatal strangulation amendment to the Domestic Abuse Bill
The Victims' Commissioner and Domestic Abuse Commissioner voice their support for Baroness Newlove's amendment to the Domestic Abuse Bill, which would create an offence of strangulation or asphyxiation.
BLOG: “If the Domestic Abuse Bill is to make a real difference and save lives, non-fatal strangulation must be made a distinct and serious crime.”
As we kick off #16DaysOfActivism against gender-based violence, the Victims' Commissioner reflects on the recent Femicide Census 10-year report and reiterates her call for the government to introduce a freestanding offence of strangulation in the Domestic Abuse Bill.
Joint letter calls on the Prime Minister and Chancellor to commit to longer-term, sustainable funding for domestic abuse services
Ahead of the upcoming Spending Review, the Victims' Commissioner and Domestic Abuse Commissioner write a joint letter to the Prime Minister and Chancellor highlighting the "inadequacy of current funding arrangements" for domestic abuse services.