NEW measures are being put in place to protect women and girls facing domestic violence.
The new proposals focus on stopping domestic abuse before it takes place.
The law will be changed so that the most dangerous domestic abusers will be watched more closely.
For the first time, controlling or coercive behaviour will be put on a par with physical violence.
While this legislation is pursued, police and the probation service will start work immediately to ensure that from now, offenders sentenced to a year or more for controlling and coercive behaviour are recorded on the violent and sex offender register, so that they don’t fall through the cracks.
West Mercia police and crime commissioner John Campion said: “I fully back the latest set of government plans to clamp down on perpetrators of domestic abuse.
“Domestic abuse largely happens behind closed doors and the signs of abuse are often unseen. I welcome tougher measures to ensure domestic abusers are rightfully punished for the devastating and life-changing crimes they commit.”
Meanwhile, the Ask for Ani codeword scheme – which allows those at risk or suffering from abuse to discreetly signal they need help – will now be piloted in Jobcentre offices across the UK.
This follows a previous government announcement to boost victim support programmes over two years.
Mr Campion added: “Behind every statistic of domestic abuse is a victim.
“No one should suffer in silence and that’s why I am unapologetic about my commitment, as set out in my Safer West Mercia Plan, to tackling domestic violence and sexual abuse.
“This wider rollout of support will make a real difference to the lives of domestic abuse victims and survivors in West Mercia.”
