Commissioner calls to end justice lottery for domestic abuse victims

New report from the Domestic Abuse Commissioner uncovers criminal justice system unfit to hold abusers to account and safeguard domestic abuse victims.

New figure finds just 4% of alleged domestic abuse perpetrators in the police workforce are dismissed.

The Commissioner is calling on Government to make criminal justice agencies answerable for their performance through tougher scrutiny measures.

Domestic abuse victims are being failed by the criminal justice system at every stage – from police to probation – according to a report published today by the Domestic Abuse Commissioner.

The report finds that victims routinely face a lack of specialist service referrals, poor enforcement of protective orders, court delays and early release of abusers as they seek safety and justice.

The Commissioner indicates police are failing to root out abusers within their own ranks – only 4% of alleged domestic abuse perpetrators in the police workforce are dismissed.

With prisons at breaking point, the criminal justice system must step up to tackle the scale of domestic abuse – especially when less than a fifth of victims report to police in the first place.

The Commissioner warns that these crises could steer the Government off course, and without addressing the criminal justice response to domestic abuse, the pledge of halving violence against women and girls within a decade will fall flat.

That’s why the Commissioner is unveiling her vision for a criminal justice system that is accountable, consistent and transparent – where domestic abuse victims get the right response no matter where they live or who they are. The Domestic Abuse Commissioner for England and Wales, Dame Nicole Jacobs, said:

As domestic abuse is recognised for the crime that it is, the needs of victims have been met with a criminal justice system ill-equipped to respond to the enormity of the challenge.

Just 5% of police-recorded domestic abuse offences reach conviction; and less than a fifth of victims have the confidence to report to the police in the first place. Faith in the system is at an all-time low. That’s why now is the time to share my vision for reform.

My report highlights examples of excellent practice – this must now become the standard across all criminal justice agencies, including our 43 police forces. Change is never easy, but the dedication and commitment of those already driving progress gives me great hope.

Now is the time to act – decisively and collaboratively – so that all domestic abuse victims get the right response, every single time.”

Chief Constable Sir Andy Marsh, CEO at the College of Policing, said:

“I welcome the Domestic Abuse Commissioner’s Criminal Justice Report, which reinforces the vital importance of tackling domestic abuse and the need for a coordinated approach in supporting the criminal justice system. 

I am pleased that the work we are doing at the College of Policing to better professionalise public protection, alongside the strengthening of policing vetting processes, align so well with the report’s asks, but I recognise that there is much more that we must – and will – do.

We remain committed to driving further improvements on behalf of all victims and survivors.”

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