Theresa May has declared that she is set to oversee a new Domestic Violence and Abuse Act. The aim is to transform the way we perceive and overcome the 'life shattering' crime.
The Prime Minister has admitted that often victims are failed by the legal system due to a lack of clarity despite the prosecution and conviction of offences improving in recent years.
Therefore, the Prime Minister has announced that she will oversee an investigation into what can be done to help support victims more. Experts in the field will be invited to share their ideas on how to improve the way the legal system works, which will most probably lead to legislation, making it easier for law enforcement bodies to use the measures at their disposal.
May will oversee the programme alongside the Home Office and the Ministry of Justice.
“Domestic violence and abuse is a life shattering and absolutely abhorrent crime; tackling it is a key priority for this Government - and something I have always attached a personal importance to, both as Home Secretary and now as Prime Minister,” May announced. “I am clear that we need to build on the measures I introduced as Home Secretary - including the new offence of ‘Controlling and Coercive Behaviour’, Domestic Violence Protection Orders, and the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme - and ensure that no stone will be left unturned in delivering a system that increases convictions, and works better for victims.
The Prime Minister continued: “I believe that the plans I have announced today have the potential to completely transform the way we think about and tackle domestic violence and abuse."
"There are thousands of people who are suffering at the hands of abusers - often isolated, and unaware of the options and support available to them to end it. Given the central importance of victim evidence to support prosecutions in this area, raising public awareness - as well as consolidating the law - will prove crucial.”
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