Women’s Aid respond to new report by the DAC on the criminal justice approach to domestic abuse

Sophie Francis-Cansfield, Head of Policy at Women’s Aid, said:

“Women’s Aid welcomes the report by the Domestic Abuse Commissioner (DAC) released today, which calls for a transformation in criminal justice response to domestic abuse. Justice is an important part of the healing process for survivors of domestic abuse, but sadly many feel extremely let down by the criminal justice system. With only 5.4% of domestic abuse cases reported to the police resulting in charge, and even less leading to conviction, it is understandable that they feel this way.

It is important that domestic abuse organisations like Women’s Aid and our members work together with other specialist agencies like the DAC to ensure the best outcomes for survivors. It is our hope that the Government acknowledges the recommendations made in this report and listens to the expertise of everyone in the sector. The report echoes Women’s Aid longstanding recommendation to see funding commitments made to specialist services so that they can continue to provide survivors with the support they need, including to navigate a complex criminal justice system and receive the justice they deserve.”