News from Labour
Andrew Mackinlay and Angela Smith MP’s for Thurrock

TOUGHER DOMESTIC VIOLENCE LAWS ARE NEEDED URGES THURROCK’S MP’s - BUT WHAT DO YOU THINK?

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Thurrock MP’s Andrew Mackinlay and Angela Smith have joined forces to urge fellow MPs to toughen up the law on domestic violence and to put its “forgotten victims” at the heart of the criminal justice system. They have backed a parliamentary bill tabled Home Secretary David Blunkett this week which seeks to close various loopholes and increase sentencing for perpetrators of home violence.

Andrew Mackinlay said:
“Time and time again domestic violence is swept under the carpet and somehow treated differently to other violent crimes. Domestic violence and intimidation destroys the lives of not just those forgotten victims, who are directly abused, but often also their close family members and friends.”

Every year, around 150 people (120 women and 30 men) are killed by a current or former partner. But domestic violence affects the lives of millions more. One in four women will suffer from it at some point in their lives - whilst domestic violence is being increasingly reported by male victims too.
The package of changes include:

• Penalties of up to five years in jail for breaking non-molestation orders
• Giving courts the power to impose a restraining order where a defendant has been acquitted - but the court believes the victim still needs protection
• A new independent commissioner for victims, giving them a voice and influence at the heart of future policy making
• Ensuring victims of mentally disordered offenders have the same right to information as victims of other serious sexual and violent offenders

Angela Smith added:

“Just because domestic violence occurs behind the closed doors of somebody’s home – does not mean law-enforcement authorities should treat these crimes and its victims as less of a priority.
“We’re asking anybody, or any concerned group to write or contact us as soon as possible if they have any ideas which might help inform our debate in parliament and the final shape of the new laws.”

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NOTE TO EDITORS:-

To find out more about domestic violence please go to the comprehensive Women’s Aid Federation website: www.womensaid.org.uk. A joint government, Comic Relief, Refuge and Women’s Aid Federation of England 24 hour free phone National Domestic Violence helpline has been launched before Christmas on 0808 2000 247.

Andrew Mackinlay’s office can be contacted by email (morrisc@parliament.uk)

Angela Smith’s office can be contacted by email (flack@parliament.uk)

or by writing to:

Andrew Mackinlay or Angela Smith
House of Commons
London SW1A 0AA