The CPS has updated its legal guidance regarding the prosecution of communications sent via social media with a clear section that explains how current legislation can be used to prosecute offences involving the malicious use of intimate media, sometimes referred to as “revenge pornography”. This clarification does not signify a new approach but clearly sets … Continue reading “Crown Prosecution Service offers clear guidance for prosecutors on ‘revenge pornography’”

In response to Oscar Pistorius being found guilty of the culpable homicide of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, national domestic violence charity Women’s Aid is highlighting that two women are killed by partners or ex-partners in England and Wales every week. Additionally, thousands of other women living with abusive partners who go on to kill themselves, … Continue reading “2 women like Reeva are killed by their current or former partner every week”

Dr Kate Cook, Senior Lecturer in law from Manchester Metropolitan University discusses “Harassment, monitoring and verbal abuse are not readily recognised as criminal offences”. See https://campaignforsocialscience.org.uk/resources/      

This consultation seeks views on whether the current law on domestic abuse needs to be strengthened to offer better protection to victims. It is specifically focused on whether we should create a specific offence that captures patterns of coercive and controlling behaviour in intimate relationships, inline with the government’s non-statutory definition of domestic abuse. How … Continue reading “UK Government Open consultation -Strengthening the Law on Domestic Abuse”

Solace Women’s Aid has launched the findings of a 3 year research project, Finding the Costs of Freedom, that examines how women and children rebuild their lives after domestic violence. Conducted in partnership with the Child and Woman Abuse Studies Unit (CWASU), this is the first longitudinal study of it’s kind in Europe.  Tracking 100 … Continue reading “Solace Women’s Aid Finding the Cost of Freedom”

There was more domestic violence convictions in the North West last year than anywhere else in England and Wales, according to the Crown Prosecution Service. The CPS said it brought 10,600 prosecutions in Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Cumbria. Some 80% of cases resulted in a conviction. CPS prosecutor Nazir Afzal said: “I hope (the figures) … Continue reading “North West Has Most Domestic Abuse Cases, Say Prosecutors”

Women’s Aid, supported by the Premier League and BT Sport today held a Parliamentary event to launch Football United Against Domestic Violence, a campaign working with football clubs, organisations, players and fans to help raise awareness of domestic violence and the sexist attitudes that underpin abuse against women. The launch was attended by a number … Continue reading “Women’s Aid teams up with football to give domestic violence the red card”

New legislation comes into force from 16th June 2014. A forced marriage is where one or both people do not (or in cases of people with learning disabilities, cannot) consent to the marriage and pressure or abuse is used. It is an appalling and indefensible practice and is recognised in the UK as a form … Continue reading “Forced Marriage Becomes a Criminal Offence”

Positively UK and Rape Crisis England and Wales on women and mental health. This report builds on existing evidence to highlight women’s experiences of poor mental health and wellbeing and their interactions with the mental health system. Focusing on women’s mental wellbeing within the context of the effects of sexual violence, the report is also an assessment … Continue reading “‘I Am More Than One Thing’: A guiding paper by Imkaan”