Women’s Aid respond to bill proposal which would make domestic abuse an aggravating factor in assault cases
Women’s Aid said:
“We support Josh Babarine MP’s initiative to introduce new certain domestic abuse aggravated offences in his proposed Private Members Bill. This proposal would help build more protection against perpetrators of domestic abuse being released under the early release scheme for prisoners.
Currently, the scheme excludes prisoners convicted of sexual and certain domestic abuse offences from early release; however, many perpetrators are charged with other offences not covered under this exemption, creating gaps in protection that leave adult and child survivors vulnerable. Preventing the early release of violent and abusive offenders reduces the likelihood of potentially devastating re-offences, and the most serious outcome of homicide.
Women’s Aid has been urging for the government to address the significant risks to women and children posed by the premature release of violent offenders. It is essential that the government prioritises the physical and psychological safety and well-being of domestic abuse survivors while working to reform the criminal justice system and respond to prison overcrowding.
We have welcomed Labour’s commitment to halve violence against women and girls in the next decade, and in support of Josh Babarine MP’s proposal, we urge the government to consider these amendments and keep their pledge in addressing this national emergency.”
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