Domestic Abuse Commissioner for England & Wales

Read my full response to new findings that for a 2nd year in a row, suspected suicides following domestic abuse have overtaken the number of homicides involving current or previous partners. ⬇️ 2/2
domesticabusecommissioner.uk/commissioner...

Behind every domestic abuse-related death is a person whose hopes and aspirations were cruelly taken. There is no excuse for this failure.

I am working to ensure agencies act swiftly on lessons from domestic abuse-related deaths, and that this is done through a truly collaborative approach. 1/2

Read the Government's response and my full statement below ⬇️ 2/2
domesticabusecommissioner.uk/greater-clar...

Today the Government published its initial response to my report that called for an overhaul of the criminal justice response to domestic abuse.

While steps to restore confidence in policing are welcome, this response lacks ambition. Without bold action victims will continue to be failed. 1/2

My biggest concern is funding for domestic abuse services which provide lifesaving support to victims.

These services have been underfunded and undervalued for far too long.

Investing in domestic abuse prevention saves lives. The cost of not doing so is far greater. 1/2

Yesterday at the Public Accounts Committee, I highlighted critical issues that must be addressed to halve VAWG, including:

➡️ Chronic underinvestment in DA and VAWG services.
➡️ Lack of data to show where resources are needed.
➡️ Need for the new VAWG strategy to be a true cross-govt effort. 1/2

It's harrowing that so many babies are affected by domestic abuse.

We must remember they are victims too and need tailored support.

That’s why all child safeguarding professionals must fully understand domestic abuse so they can provide the right help every single time.

I welcome the Crime & Policing Bill’s focus on tackling VAWG, but I'm disappointed it doesn’t address abusers in the police.

It was reassuring to hear the Home Sec's commitment to introduce new vetting regs this morning and I agree they must be implemented quickly.

Victims' needs must come first.

This week I wrote to the Home Sec requesting urgent action to ensure police who fail vetting can be sacked, including:
➡️Legally requiring police to hold vetting
➡️Regulation changes so perps can be dismissed
➡️Review of vetting requirements

Full letter👇
domesticabusecommissioner.uk/letters/lett...

This ruling is a major setback for confidence in policing and undermines the Government's pledge to halve VAWG in a decade.

I will be writing to the Home Secretary, urging her to swiftly strengthen the police's ability to sack officers and staff who pose a risk to public safety. ⬇️

Reports - Domestic Abuse Commissioner Read the Domestic Abuse Commissioner’s reports, shining a spotlight on the issues that affect victims and survivors of domestic abuse. Reports laid before parliament Under the Domestic Abuse Act, the ...

My report - published last week - makes these recommendations and more, mapping the path to a more accountable and consistent criminal justice response to domestic abuse.

Read the report - 'Shifting the scales' - and my full vision for change ⬇️ 2/2
domesticabusecommissioner.uk/reports/

Specialist #domesticabuse services are critical to the functioning of the #criminaljustice system.

But achieving this collaboration requires participating orgs to be sufficiently funded.

Only with vital partnerships in place can victims receive the full scope of support they need. 1/2

Reports - Domestic Abuse Commissioner Read the Domestic Abuse Commissioner’s reports, shining a spotlight on the issues that affect victims and survivors of domestic abuse. Reports laid before parliament Under the Domestic Abuse Act, the ...

My report - published last week - makes these recommendations and more, mapping the path to a more accountable and consistent criminal justice response to domestic abuse.

Read the report - 'Shifting the scales' - and my full vision for change ⬇️ 2/2
domesticabusecommissioner.uk/reports/

Inconsistent (and sometimes non-existent) #domesticabuse data undermines accountability in the criminal justice system.

Clear figures that track police report to sentencing are critical.

Government must invest in tech and publish reliable stats to protect victims and improve justice. 1/2