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<p>The Government and the law recognises that some offenders may commit offences as
a direct result of being subjected to domestic abuse. There is a need to strike a
balance between recognising the impact of abuse whilst ensuring that people do not
revert to criminal behaviour.</p><p> </p><p>The law already provides for a number
of general defences, both full defences such as self-defence, and partial defences
such as of “loss of control” or “diminished responsibility”. We have, however, asked
the Law Commission to conduct a review of defences specifically to homicide where
the offender was a victim of domestic abuse.</p><p> </p><p>The Victims’ Code sets
out the services that all victims of crime, including victims of domestic abuse, are
entitled to receive from criminal justice agencies at the different stages of the
criminal justice process. This includes receiving information about the case, participating
appropriately in the criminal justice process and accessing support services. However
investigation or charging decisions are operational decisions for the police and Crown
Prosecution Service.</p>
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