| answer text |
<p /> <p>Domestic abuse is the worst possible violation of the trust that those in
close relationships place in one another. That is why tackling domestic violence and
abuse has been one of this Government’s top priorities. We are committed to ensuring
that victims of this serious crime are considered in all aspects of the criminal justice
system, and supported appropriately.</p><p> </p><p>The Victims’ Code was implemented
in December 2013. It sets out to criminal justice agencies the enhanced services and
support they must provide to victims of the most serious crimes, including victims
of domestic violence. This includes providing information on pre-trial therapy and
counselling and referral to specialist organisations for support.</p><p>As part of
the current pilot of adult out-of-court disposals, the Ministry of Justice has issued
guidance to the three participating police forces (Staffordshire, West Yorkshire,
and Leicestershire) setting out how the framework should be used for low-level offences
involving domestic violence. The guidance imposes a number of restrictions on the
forces and requires them to obtain the victim’s consent for the matter to be dealt
with out of court.</p><p>In addition, the National Offender Management Service’s framework
<em>Supporting Women offenders who have experienced domestic or sexual violence</em>,
published in September 2011, is designed to provide guidance to those working with
female offenders in custody and the community. The framework intends to ensure that
interventions and services take place within an environment in which women who have
been victims of domestic violence are able to both disclose abuse and receive support
and advice in a safe, female only environment.</p><p> </p><p>In addition to these
pieces of guidance, my Right Honourable Friend, the Secretary of State for the Home
Department has issued the <em>Violence Against Women and Girls Action Plan</em>, which
sets out the Government’s approach to tackling domestic violence and abuse, and is
supported by guidance to victims, their friends, families, employers and colleagues.</p>
|
|
