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<p>The sentencing framework is kept under constant review by the Government. However,
sentencing in individual cases is a matter for the independent courts in accordance
with the sentencing guidelines, developed by the independent Sentencing Council.</p><p>The
Government created the offence of Controlling and Coercive Behaviour in the Serious
Crime Act 2015. Since the offence came into force in 2016, the number of people sentenced
for this offence has consistently increased, nearing tenfold. The average custodial
sentence length has also increased from 17.1 to 24.4 months.</p><p>In response to
the independent Domestic Homicide Sentencing Review undertaken by Clare Wade KC, we
have introduced legislation to create new statutory aggravating and mitigating factors
for murders preceded by controlling and coercive behaviour.</p><p>The Sentencing Council
have recently consulted on making a similar change to the manslaughter sentencing
guideline. The Council have also introduced the Domestic Abuse Overarching Principles
guideline, which came into force in May 2018. It identifies the principles relevant
to the sentencing of cases involving domestic abuse, including the offence of controlling
and coercive behaviour. The Council is planning to review this guideline in 2024.</p>
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