Gosport MP, Caroline Dinenage, this week supported the Domestic Abuse Bill as it passed the final hurdle in Parliament. The Bill now awaits the formality of Royal Assent before it becomes law.
There are an estimated 2.4 million victims of domestic abuse and more than one in ten of all offences recorded by the police are domestic abuse related.
The Bill will strengthen support for victims and their families, while legally broadening the definition of domestic abuse and ensuring that perpetrators of crimes such as ‘revenge porn’ and ‘non-fatal strangulation’ are properly punished.
For the first time, the statutory definition of domestic abuse will also include emotional, coercive or control and economic abuse, as well as physical.
Caroline commented:
“Domestic abuse has many faces from coercive emotional behaviour to physical threats, which we often do not see behind closed doors.
“I am proud to support the Domestic Abuse Bill which will go a long way to support victims and their families, while ensuring that perpetrators are properly punished for these unacceptable crimes.”
The Bill could not come at a more pressing time as charities across the country are recording record numbers of calls and messages following the outbreak of COVID-19 and stay at home restrictions. Refuge claim that they are receiving more than 60% on the average number of monthly contacts at the start of 2020.
Caroline, who is a Champion of Hestia’s ‘UK Says No More’ campaign aiming to end domestic abuse and sexual violence in the UK, has been signposting constituents to local and national support.
Victoria Atkins MP, Minister for Safeguarding, said:
“Domestic abuse is an abhorrent crime perpetrated on victims and their families by those who should love and care for them. This landmark Bill will help transform the response to domestic abuse, helping to prevent offending, protect victims and ensure they have the support they need.”
