SafeLives’ response to the Crown Prosecution Service’s VAWG report

With a 14.5% drop in convictions for domestic abuse, rape and sexual offences, a Domestic Abuse Bill on the statute books is more urgent than ever. Survivors need to know the Government means what it says about taking action and we want to see the Government commit to including a Bill in the Queen’s Speech next month.

The Crown Prosecution Service’s Violence Against Women and Girls report, released today, is deeply worrying. Despite all the work done so far, too many cases are just not making it through the system. Victims need access to the right support at the right time to make them safe and well, including access to Idvas – specialist trained domestic abuse professionals.

Everyone involved in the criminal justice system – from the police, to prosecutors, to court staff and the judiciary – needs effective training to be sure they understand the dynamics of domestic abuse and coercive control and the tactics used by perpetrators. And we agree with Sir James Munby, Former President of the Family Division, that there must an end to cross-examination in the Family Courts, which we know has such a serious impact on victims.