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14/05/2014
Proposed Guidance To Help Prosecutors Spot Signs Of Domestic Violence Against Teens
The Director of Public Prosecutions, Alison Saunders, has today proposed changes to the way the CPS considers domestic violence cases that would instruct prosecutors to consider the use of social media, gang culture and peer pressure when looking at cases involving teenagers.
Under the new proposals prosecutors looking at alleged domestic violence against an older person would also consider the specific context in which the abuse is occurring, for example following retirement, as a result of social isolation or 'care-giver' stress or anxiety. Older people may also enter into abusive relationships later in life.
New draft guidance, which opens for public consultation today, but has not yet come into force, explains the potential impact of domestic abuse on different groups to help prosecutors adopt a tailored approach taking into account their particular support needs.
Alison Saunders, said: "The destructive impact of domestic violence is felt throughout society and can be inflicted in many different ways. The guidance we are now consulting on recognises this, and makes clear that teenagers' experiences of domestic violence will often be completely different to those experienced by adults and older generations.
"Some teenagers may not consider themselves victims of domestic violence, especially if they are not being physically abused but are being targeted on social media for example. Similarly, abuse in gang environments, for example young girls being forced into sexual activity as part of gang initiation or used as 'honey traps' to set up rival gang members is often not reported. Understandably, a lot of my prosecutors will not be familiar with the workings of gang culture or gang slang so I have included it in the proposed guidance so that they know what to look for when considering such cases.
"Young people can also be reluctant to report abuse for fear of getting into trouble with their parents, being bullied at school or because they are scared of their abuser. We must make sure that we address these concerns properly and put specific measures in place to ensure their safety is paramount."
(CD)
Under the new proposals prosecutors looking at alleged domestic violence against an older person would also consider the specific context in which the abuse is occurring, for example following retirement, as a result of social isolation or 'care-giver' stress or anxiety. Older people may also enter into abusive relationships later in life.
New draft guidance, which opens for public consultation today, but has not yet come into force, explains the potential impact of domestic abuse on different groups to help prosecutors adopt a tailored approach taking into account their particular support needs.
Alison Saunders, said: "The destructive impact of domestic violence is felt throughout society and can be inflicted in many different ways. The guidance we are now consulting on recognises this, and makes clear that teenagers' experiences of domestic violence will often be completely different to those experienced by adults and older generations.
"Some teenagers may not consider themselves victims of domestic violence, especially if they are not being physically abused but are being targeted on social media for example. Similarly, abuse in gang environments, for example young girls being forced into sexual activity as part of gang initiation or used as 'honey traps' to set up rival gang members is often not reported. Understandably, a lot of my prosecutors will not be familiar with the workings of gang culture or gang slang so I have included it in the proposed guidance so that they know what to look for when considering such cases.
"Young people can also be reluctant to report abuse for fear of getting into trouble with their parents, being bullied at school or because they are scared of their abuser. We must make sure that we address these concerns properly and put specific measures in place to ensure their safety is paramount."
(CD)
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20 October 2008
Domestic Violence Victims To Receive Extra Support
Victims of domestic violence will receive extra help and support from six new Specialist Domestic Violence Courts (SDVCs), announced today. The new courts will be in Wales, the East Midlands, North East, North West and South East.
Domestic Violence Victims To Receive Extra Support
Victims of domestic violence will receive extra help and support from six new Specialist Domestic Violence Courts (SDVCs), announced today. The new courts will be in Wales, the East Midlands, North East, North West and South East.
26 January 2005
Harman to deliver speech on domestic violence privacy law
Solicitor General Harriet Harman will discuss a new law protecting the identities of domestic violence victims at a conference tomorrow. Ms Harman, who is the keynote speaker at the Domestic Abuse Regional Conference, in Newmarket, will discuss the new law, which grants courts the power to prevent the press and media from identifying a witness.
Harman to deliver speech on domestic violence privacy law
Solicitor General Harriet Harman will discuss a new law protecting the identities of domestic violence victims at a conference tomorrow. Ms Harman, who is the keynote speaker at the Domestic Abuse Regional Conference, in Newmarket, will discuss the new law, which grants courts the power to prevent the press and media from identifying a witness.
07 December 2011
Dawn Raids Lead To 64 Domestic Violence Arrests
A total of 64 suspected perpetrators of domestic violence and hate crime have been arrested during a series of raids carried out across London on Wednesday morning. The Metropolitan Police Service (Met) said the raids were part of 'Operation Athena', targeting "dangerous and prolific" offenders to justice at addresses across London's 32 boroughs.
Dawn Raids Lead To 64 Domestic Violence Arrests
A total of 64 suspected perpetrators of domestic violence and hate crime have been arrested during a series of raids carried out across London on Wednesday morning. The Metropolitan Police Service (Met) said the raids were part of 'Operation Athena', targeting "dangerous and prolific" offenders to justice at addresses across London's 32 boroughs.
14 February 2006
Campaign calls on friends to report domestic violence
A new advertising campaign aimed at encouraging friends of victims of domestic violence to report offences was launched today.
Campaign calls on friends to report domestic violence
A new advertising campaign aimed at encouraging friends of victims of domestic violence to report offences was launched today.
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