Sentences of Imprisonment for Public Protection
IPP sentences were abolished in 2012 but continue to cause controversy. Changes to licence termination arrangements are being phased in from 1 November 2024.
The Queen's Speech 2017 promises a draft Domestic Violence and Abuse Bill, and measures in the Courts Bill to deal with suspects cross examining victims. This Briefing Paper looks at the background.
Domestic violence in England and Wales (432 KB , PDF)
The Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW) estimates of domestic abuse are based on a relatively broad definition covering male and female victims of partner or family non-physical abuse, threats, force, sexual assault or stalking. The latest statistics show that:
There are both civil and criminal remedies for victims of domestic violence.
Section 76 of the Serious Crime Act 2015 came into force in December 2015 and criminalises patterns of coercive or controlling behaviour where they are perpetrated against an intimate partner or family member. Several other criminal offences can apply to cases of domestic violence. These can range from murder, rape and manslaughter through to assault and threatening behaviour.
Civil measures include non-molestation orders, occupation orders and domestic violence protection orders (which can mean that suspected perpetrators have to leave their houses). The Protection from Harassment Act 1997 (as amended) provides both civil and criminal remedies. These include non-harassment and restraining orders. A Library briefing paper on the 1997 Act discusses these in more detail.
In March 2016, the Home Office published its 2016-20 strategy to end violence against women and girls. This included £80 million of dedicated funding to provide core support for refuges and other accommodation-based services, rape support centres and national helplines. A further £20 million was announced in the 2017 Spring Budget. Included within this £100 million total is a £17 million new Violence Against Women and Girls Service Transformation Fund to support local domestic abuse service provision.
In March 2018, the Government launched a consultation ‘seeking views on both legislative proposals for a landmark draft Domestic Abuse Bill and a package of practical action.’ Proposals include:
Related Library briefing papers
The Library has published Domestic violence: a select bibliography and Labour policy on Domestic Violence – 1999-2010.
Domestic violence in England and Wales (432 KB , PDF)
IPP sentences were abolished in 2012 but continue to cause controversy. Changes to licence termination arrangements are being phased in from 1 November 2024.
Constituents sometimes complain to their MPs that a neighbour’s CCTV camera is “intrusive” and ask what the law states.
An overview of the relevant legislation, guidance and debates concerning the policing of protests.