Yvette Cooper MP, Labour’s Shadow Home Secretary, responding to the Home Office’s announcement of a consultation on domestic abuse, said:
“We’ve called for the law on domestic violence to be strengthened for some time and have pledged new legislation in the first Queen’s speech of a Labour Government.
“The criminal justice system needs to recognise the damage done by repeated psychological abuse and coercive control which is too often overlooked - the Government’s agreement to this consultation is a welcome tribute to those who have campaigned hard for change.
“But Theresa May just isn’t doing enough to reverse the backwards slide in action against domestic violence or support for victims on her watch.
Under this Government, refuges across the country are having to cut services and many are threatened with closure. Prosecutions and convictions as a proportion of recorded crimes of domestic violence are falling. And over the last four years over 10,000 perpetrators of domestic violence have been handed only community resolutions, with many simply being asked to apologise to their victim.
“Theresa May has repeatedly dragged her feet on action to tackle domestic abuse, and the Government is still opposing vital action to prevent domestic abuse in the future. That is why Labour’s Women’s Safety Commission is drawing up detailed and stronger reforms.
“Labour is committed to introducing national standards for police, prosecution and support services and a Commissioner for Domestic and Sexual Violence who will sit at the heart of Government and champion the needs of victims. And we are committed to compulsory sex and relationship education in all schools so our young people are taught that there is no place for violence of any kind in relationships.
“We need stronger legislation, but we also need stronger action in the criminal justice system and stronger prevention too.
“Domestic violence is one of the most prevalent and dangerous crimes in the country - it should be taken much more seriously by the Government, the criminal justice system and support services too.”
ENDS