PCC welcomes Justice Committee support for new domestic abuse sentencing guidelines
26th October 2017
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Dame Vera Baird QC, has today (Weds) welcomed new guidelines for sentencing in domestic abuse cases.
The new guidelines from the Sentencing Council say domestic abuse should be treated as more serious than similar offending in a non-domestic context.
This includes both physical and emotional and psychological violence.
Guidelines, published in 2006, said that domestic offending was “no less serious” than offending outside of the home but that will now change.
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Dame Vera Baird QC, has joined the Justice Committee in welcoming the new guidelines which she believes show an “understanding” of the dynamics of domestic abuse.
Dame Vera said: “Historically, sentencing has been weak for domestic abuse. We have had some devastating failures in this region, causing all three local Police and crime commissioners to complain.
“There has been cases where serious violence inflicted in a home has been met with non-custodial sentences, when the same violence on the street would have brought custody.
“But these guidelines are not simply tough, they show an understanding, which is very commendable, of the dynamics of domestic abuse.
“The sentencing council makes clear that the huge breach of trust involved when inflicting harm on a partner, or a family member, itself merits harsher punishment.
“They recognise that long-term abuse is cumulative and deeply damaging, making recovery long and difficult.”
Dame Vera added: “It is welcome that these guidelines state clearly that previous convictions, or a ‘good character’, is not taken into consideration in mitigation of domestic abuse cases.
“It is well known that perpetrators of domestic abuse have two different personalities, one for outside their home and the second for their victims.
“I also welcome the assertion that sentences should be appropriate in the public interest irrespective of the wishes of the victim.
“This may seem strange to some but it is vital because pressure can be put on a victim to ask for leniency when the responsibility is that of the court.
“I hope these guidelines lead to an improvement in cases here in the North East and beyond.”
Following the report the Justice Committee has also asked the Courts to identify domestic abuse related cases and monitor how the guidelines are working.
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