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21/08/2009
Victims Of Domestic Violence Protected
Greater protection for victims of harassment, including domestic abuse, will come into effect next month, the government confirmed today.
From September 30, courts in England and Wales will have more freedom to grant restraining orders when abusers appear before them, giving victims immediate protection and sparing them the ordeal of a separate civil action.
Currently, courts can only issue restraining orders following conviction for two types of offences: harassment or putting someone in fear of violence.
Under the new rules an order can be made following conviction for any offence and even where someone is acquitted in order to better protect victims. Breaking the terms of a restraining order is a criminal offence punishable by up to five years in prison.
Today's announcement coincides with the publication of the National Domestic Violence Delivery Plan 2008/9.
Home Office Minister Lord West said: "Domestic violence is a devastating crime which impacts across all communities.
"The additional powers announced today will also help victims in need of immediate protection and spare them the need to take separate civil action."
The Minister for Women and Equality, Harriet Harman, said the new restraining orders will mean that women don't have to go from pillar to post, immediately giving her protection from harassment.
The report shows that the government has made significant headway in ensuring perpetrators of violence against women are effectively dealt with and victims supported.
(GK/KMcA)
From September 30, courts in England and Wales will have more freedom to grant restraining orders when abusers appear before them, giving victims immediate protection and sparing them the ordeal of a separate civil action.
Currently, courts can only issue restraining orders following conviction for two types of offences: harassment or putting someone in fear of violence.
Under the new rules an order can be made following conviction for any offence and even where someone is acquitted in order to better protect victims. Breaking the terms of a restraining order is a criminal offence punishable by up to five years in prison.
Today's announcement coincides with the publication of the National Domestic Violence Delivery Plan 2008/9.
Home Office Minister Lord West said: "Domestic violence is a devastating crime which impacts across all communities.
"The additional powers announced today will also help victims in need of immediate protection and spare them the need to take separate civil action."
The Minister for Women and Equality, Harriet Harman, said the new restraining orders will mean that women don't have to go from pillar to post, immediately giving her protection from harassment.
The report shows that the government has made significant headway in ensuring perpetrators of violence against women are effectively dealt with and victims supported.
(GK/KMcA)
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20 October 2008
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A very mild, but mostly cloudy day, although with some bright or sunny spells. It will be mostly dry in the morning, but a little patchy light rain or drizzle at times in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:A band of heavier rain will move east during the evening before clearing eastwards after midnight. then mostly dry through the early hours, but a little rain towards dawn. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
