Domestic violence

HELP & SUPPORT:
24 Hour Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247
The Men’s Advice Line: 0808 80 10 327

Respect: 0845 122 8609
Victim Support: 0845 30 30 900

Women are more likely to experience domestic violence than men, and are more likely to experience repeat incidents. Around one in four women and one in six men will be a victim of domestic violence, and almost nine out of ten of those victims suffering four or more attacks are women. In its worst manifestation, domestic violence culminates in murder. Women are the victims and men are the perpetrators in four out of five domestic homicides.

In recent years this government has done a great deal to tackle domestic violence, support victims and bring perpetrators to justice through our National Domestic Violence Delivery Plan. This is in addition to legislation introduced such as the Domestic Violence Crime and Victims Act 2004, which has improved both the way in which the criminal justice system deals with these crimes and victim’s access to justice.

Improved support and access to justice for victims of domestic violence through the Specialist Domestic Violence Courts programme and Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conferences are ensuring more successful prosecutions and fewer repeat incidents of domestic violence.

Following the review of the law of murder, the Government has published proposals to ensure there are practical laws that provide justice for victims, properly punish offenders and command confidence from the public. A key aim of the review, especially on provocation and diminished responsibility, was to ensure that the law responds appropriately to domestic homicides. The draft clauses have been published for consultation and, subject to the outcome of that consultation, the Government aims to include provisions in the Victims and Witnesses Bill in the next parliamentary session.