Bedfordshire Police are announcing the much anticipated Domestic Abuse Bill, which was passed by both Houses of Parliament and received Royal Assent and was enacted on April 29.
This new bill offers additional protections to victims of domestic violence and strengthens measures to combat perpetrators.
For the first time in history, there will be a broad legal definition of domestic violence that incorporates a range of abuse beyond physical violence, including emotional abuse, coercive or controlling behavior, and financial violence. or economical.
The measures include important new protections and support for victims, ensuring that perpetrators will no longer be allowed to directly cross-examine victims in family and civil courts, and giving victims better access to measures. special measures in the courtroom to help prevent bullying – such as protective measures. screens and providing their evidence by video link.
New powers are also granted to the police to provide immediate protection against perpetrators, while courts will be able to help prevent offenses by forcing perpetrators to take action to change their behavior, including seeking support. mental health or drug and alcohol rehabilitation.
It will also place the guidance supporting the domestic violence disclosure system, also known as “Clare’s Law”, on a statutory basis.
In recent weeks, the government has also added new measures to the bill to further strengthen existing laws on so-called “revenge pornography,” among others.
Chief Detective Inspector Craig Laws, head of the Bedfordshire Police Emerald team dedicated to the domestic violence investigation, said: ‘We welcome this landmark law which improves police response domestic violence at every stage, offering victims more support than ever before, while insuring perpetrators. feel the full weight of the law.
“We look forward to implementing the changes brought about by the bill and continuing our action and commitment to address family violence in all its forms, and to protect those who desperately need our help.”
Detective Superintendent Will Hodgkinson, Head of Crime and Domestic Violence, said: “The passage of the new bill is indeed excellent news and offers us the best opportunity for a more efficient and rapid response and support for victims and their families.
“We recognize that this is not only achievable with the police, but by working with our fantastic partner agencies, and with the same goals in view, we are working on a truly integrated strategy to deliver Gold level service to protect more at risk, and to attack those responsible, both harder and faster.
“Over the past few weeks, we’ve tracked down and apprehended some of the county’s most at-risk domestic violence perpetrators, and our message to those who perpetrate violence is that we are after you and that we now have even more effective tools.
“If you are a victim of domestic violence, we are ready to listen to you, believe you, and do whatever we can to investigate and provide you with help and support, and we urge you to contact us.”
Jenny Bull, Domestic Violence Project Manager at Victim Support, said: “The new domestic violence law will provide greater recognition, more support and better protection for victims and their children.
“This is a defining moment for all of us and I hope it will allow those affected by domestic violence and unhealthy control over their relationships to speak up and seek help.”
To report domestic violence, call the police on 101 or visit a participating pharmacy and ask for “ANI”.
You can also call an independent Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.
If anyone is in immediate danger, call 999.
Victims of domestic violence can also contact Signpost for free and confidential support, whether the violence has been reported or not.
Signpost’s experienced staff and volunteers know what emotions and challenges victims may experience. They are specially trained to listen and give help and advice. Often, just talking to someone, especially someone who is not family or a friend, can help victims, or those affected, understand what happened. and find a way to help cope and recover.
They can provide a safe and neutral place for victims to express their fears, concerns and emotions. Their emotional support is confidential and non-judgmental. They also work with a range of specialist organizations and community support groups and can make recommendations to help victims on their journey.
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Source: www.bedfordtoday.co.uk
This notice was published: 2021-05-01 16:30:12
