VICTIMS of domestic abuse will be better protected through the criminal justice system in a change of legislation which is being welcomed by West Mercia Police.
The draft bill going before MPs will ensure victims are better protected in court and no longer have to face cross-examination from an abuser.
It will allow the police to force perpetrators into ‘behavior-changing rehabilitation progammes such as the ‘Drive Programme’ which was set up by West Mercia Police and Crime Commisioner John Campion.
He said: “My commitment is to always put victims first and I’m pleased to see the holistic approach to tackling this complex and important issue, at a local and national level.
“It’s vital that victims and survivors have specialist support to cope and recover.”
Mr Campion has also invested in a number of projects which provide specialist support to victims and also ensure the police have the resources to continue to make tackling domestic abuse a priority.
“I am also committed to tackling offender behaviour at the root and ensuring the police and criminal justice system do all they can to protect victims and bring offenders to justice,” added Mr Campion.
If you have been a victim of domestic abuse, below is a few contact details for support services which may be helpful.
Victim Support: Call 0808 168 9111 or visit victimsupport.org.uk
West Mercia Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre: Call 01905 724514 (Worcestershire) or 01432 344777 (Herefordshire) or visit www.wmrsasc.org.uk
AXIS counselling and psychotherapy: Call 01743 357777 (Shropshire) or 01952 278000 (Telford) or visit www.axiscounselling.org.uk
