Expect domestic abuse Bill soon

Former Lord Chancellor Liz Truss promised the Bill in January 2017 only to be thwarted by the June General Election. According to family law solicitor-advocate and NLJ columnist David Burrows, however, recent Parliamentary activity suggests a consultation will be published soon, possibly as early as next week.

Last week, Prime Minister Theresa May referred to the Bill during PM’s Questions, stating: ‘Before my right honourable friend the Home Secretary brings forward legislation, she will be issuing a consultation, because we want to ensure that we listen to all those who have been affected so that we deal with all aspects of this particular issue. The government are committed to working not only to support the victims of domestic violence, but to ensure that we end violence against women and girls.’

Home Secretary Amber Rudd also confirmed she would be introducing the Bill, while answering questions in the Commons last week.

Earlier this week, the Sentencing Council issued guidelines on domestic abuse, for the first time including abuse through social media and online means such as tracking devices, and highlighting that abuse covers psychological, sexual, financial or emotional abuse as well as physical violence.

Writing in Family Law eNews, Burrows called on the Home Secretary to ‘align family and criminal proceedings’ when she brings forward the bill.

‘So far as dealing with domestic abuse is concerned: there is a convergence between criminal proceedings and family cases; but separate remedies and enforcement,’ he said.

Burrows also called for ‘clearer and much less confusing legal aid’ for abuse victims, and resources to be made available to pay for special measures for vulnerable abuse victims.

He added: ‘There must be an appreciation of the urgency of the whole exercise of such badly needed law reform; and co-ordination between the ministries which are responsible for reform.’