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Leap in prosecutions for domestic violence

The number of prosecutions for domestic violence is expected to approach 90,000 by the end of the financial year in April.

If the estimation proves correct, the number of prosecutions conducted this year will exceed the 2012-13 figure by more than 19,000.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) announced the estimated total in the wake of new guidance on the prosecution of domestic violence, which came into force on December 30. According to the CPS, the updated guidance highlights the various ways in which domestic abusers can exert control over their victims, without necessarily committing a physical assault. Examples include making threats, controlling access to the phone, and involving the children.

The guidance notes that domestic violence can occur in all communities and to both genders and says that prosecutors should not make assumptions based on stereotypes related to the parties’ age, appearance, or gender.

The CPS guidelines were drawn up following a three month public consultation. They include a number of new measures, such as an outline of the various reasons apparent victims may withdraw allegations, a new focus on domestic violence in ‘black and minority ethnic’ communities, and a look at the ways in which domestic abusers sometimes present themselves as victims.

Alison Saunders, the Director of Public Prosecutions. She said:

“Magistrates and prosecutors across the country are telling me that the biggest change they are seeing in the Magistrates’ court room is the increase in domestic abuse cases. This shifting caseload is a real challenge for the CPS but it is a challenge that we are preparing to meet.”

In December Home Secretary Theresa May announced plans to criminalise the use of ‘coercive control’ in relationships.

Read the new guidelines here.

The blog team at Stowe is a group of writers based across our family law offices who share their advice on the wellbeing and emotional aspects of divorce or separation from personal experience. As well as pieces from our family law solicitors, guest contributors also regularly contribute to share their knowledge.

Comment(1)

  1. Stitchedup says:

    “This shifting caseload is a real challenge for the CPS but it is a challenge that we are preparing to meet.”

    For Domestic violence the CPS will prosecute without the slightest but of evidence… several reasons.

    !. It is easier for them to prosecute than not to prosecute. If they decide not to prosecute they have reams of paper work to complete and a lot of explaining to do.

    2. Domestic abuse is a political hot button… so any allegation automatically passes the public interest test.

    3. The chances of securing a successful conviction are high even without the slightest evidence. Most cases will be heard in the magistrates courts often before a politically indoctrinated district judge who’s just itching to convict to get the stats up. Magistrates are equally indoctrinated with the feminist political BS.

    This is social engineering and state interference with private family life on a colossal scale. Unfortunately it often starts with gamesmanship during divorce and separation but can quickly get out of hand when emotions run high. Divorce and separation are a highly emotional time, convicting men/fathers because the process has become acrimonious is not the answer and in the vast majority of cases is certainly not in the interest of any children involved

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