WUNRN
October
31 2008
UK
- Domestic Violence Accounts for 16% of Reported Violent Incidents - Government
Report
Almost
three quarters of incidents of domestic violence involve repeat offending, with
over one in four victims attacked three or more times
Domestic violence accounts for 16% of all reported violent incidents and has more repeat victims than any other crime, according to a Home Office report published today.
Almost three quarters of incidents of domestic violence (73%) involve repeat offending, with over one in four victims (27%) attacked three or more times.
The government said today it was "absolutely determined" to make it easier for victims to come forward, through helplines, specialist courts and a lift on the cap on legal-aid funds.
To date, 104 specialist domestic violence courts have been put in place to help bring perpetrators to justice, with 72% of cases resulting in successful prosecution, according to a progress report on the government's national domestic delivery plan.
The report says that the usual cap on receiving legal aid was now waived in cases of domestic violence. "This should mean that more people are now eligible," it said.
The Forced Marriage Unit saw a significant increase in workload, handling approximately 400 cases and responding to 5,000 enquiries, according to the report.
A national network of independent domestic violence advisers and sexual violence advisers is expected to be rolled out to help all victims of sexual and domestic violence to access services.
Alan Campbell, the junior Home Office minister, said that domestic violence was a "devastating hidden crime" that should be condemned in all its forms.
Campbell said: "We are absolutely determined to put victims at the heart of the criminal justice system by ensuring they feel confident in coming forward and reporting these cowardly crimes.
"But we know there is still more to be done, particularly in the area of prevention by better identifying potential victims - working with police and victim support agencies."
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