The long awaited and latest version of the Domestic Abuse Bill had its first reading in the House of Commons yesterday. The overall aim of the Bill is to protect and support victims of abuse and punish offenders.
What does the Domestic Abuse Bill propose?
The new legislation outlines the following:
- Those guilty of domestic abuse offences would be subject to lie detector tests three months after they are released from prison, and every six months after that time. The abuser could be returned to prison if the test shows that:
“their risk has escalated to level whereby they can no longer be safely managed in the community”.
- The introduction of measures to tackle “tech abuse” (the use of personal and home electronic devices by abusers to control their victim) and “financial abuse”.
- A ban on alleged offenders from cross-examining their victims in all family proceedings.
- A requirement for Local Authorities in England and Wales to provide safe accommodation to domestic abuse victims and their close family.
In addition, the Government are also undertaking a review into what measures can be rolled out to provide migrant abuse victims with more support and protection.
Home Secretary, Priti Patel, said the following on the Bill:
“An astonishing 2.4 million people in England and Wales have suffered domestic abuse. That is unacceptable, and the reason why it is so important to shine a light on this crime.
“The Domestic Abuse Bill is a monumental step to empower victims and survivors, provide protection and tackle perpetrators at the earliest stage.
“Through this bill and bolstering law enforcement, we will be able to keep millions of victims safe.”
Measures to tackle domestic abuse were first outlined by the Conservatives back in 2017 but due to events, such as the prorogation of Parliament and the General Election, there has been slow progress with bringing in new laws.
Once the Domestic Abuse Bill passes the reading, a three year pilot scheme will be launched for offenders of domestic violence, who are deemed as being at a high risk of causing serious harm to others.
How Nelsons can help
Melanie Bridgen is a Partner in our expert Family Law team.
At Nelsons, we have a team of specialist domestic violence solicitors in Derby, Leicester and Nottingham who are experienced in protecting victims of domestic abuse and will respond quickly to your enquiry. We can help if you are the victim of domestic violence or you are facing allegations of violence, abuse controlling and coercive behaviour. It is very important that you obtain independent advice on these matters as if findings of violence or abuse are made then they could have long term and far reaching consequences.
Our team understand how distressing abuse is and handle all cases with sensitivity and professionalism. Please contact the team on 0800 024 1976 or contact us via our online form.