Women at risk of assault failed by new law, say judges (UK)

[BunkerHill24]

Source:Times

April 14, 2008


Thousands of women are at risk of assault because new laws to curb domestic violence have backfired, deterring victims from seeking help,The Times has learnt.

Since legislation was introduced in July to criminalise domestic abuse at least 5,000 women have failed to report violent partners, judges have claimed. Under the Domestic Violence Act 2007 a breach of a non-molestation order is now a criminal offence and not dealt with in the civil courts.

But battered wives, and sometimes husbands, are reluctant to seek an order for fear of giving their partners a criminal record and, potentially, a prison sentence of up to five years.

-snip

The alarm was raised by both circuit judges and the Association of District Judges, whose members deal with domestic violence cases. A Ministry of Justice spokesman said that an urgent meeting with Sir Mark would be held to discuss his fears. “We would be concerned if the courts were not making protecting orders,” he said.


Full Article:
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/crime/article3740076.ece?&EMC-Bltn=NQF1V8

[nomorenomore08]

1. Seems like a classic "damned if you do, damned if you don't" to me. Very unfortunate.

:(

[BunkerHill24]

2. Indeed, this law is banishing those that want to report the abuse