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<p>The Government is committed to tackling the appalling crime of domestic violence
and abuse. It is actively pursuing ways in which domestic violence and abuse can be
prevented in the first place, doing even more to help victims, and <br>bringing more
perpetrators to justice. In September 2013, the Home Secretary commissioned Her Majesty’s
Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) to undertake a comprehensive review on how the
police deal with domestic abuse. HMIC published its findings in March 2014 and highlighted
serious police failings. In response, the Home Secretary has established a national
oversight group to ensure that the police change the way they respond to domestic
abuse, and made <br>clear to all chief constables that every police force must have
an action plan in place. All forces have now produced plans that are being reviewed
by HMIC.<br><br>The Government is also committed to providing the police with the
tools they need to tackle domestic violence and abuse, and to ensure victims have
the support they need to rebuild their lives. On 8 March, we announced the national
<br>roll-out of Domestic Violence Protection Orders and the Domestic Violence Disclosure
Scheme across England and Wales. The Government has additionally recently consulted
on whether the law needs to be strengthened by creating a <br>specific offence of
domestic abuse to offer the best possible protection to victims. That consultation
has closed and responses are currently being analysed.<br><br>We have also ring-fenced
£40 million of funding for specialist local support services and national helplines
over this Parliament. <br><br>Latest data from the Crown Prosecution Service Violence
against Women and Girls Crime Report 2013-2014 shows the volume of domestic violence
referrals from the police rising to 103,569, the highest level ever. Prosecutions
and convictions have risen by over 10% in the last year, with the conviction rate
at its highest ever level at 74.6%.</p>
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