Domestic violence currently claims the lives of around two women a week, and affects millions more people. The Government is determined to prevent domestic violence happening or recurring, to protect and support its victims, and to bring offenders to justice.
Domestic violence has been steadily ascending the political agenda and has been recognised as a cross-government priority. The Home Office is working closely with other central Government departments, regional Government and local partnerships, particularly those responsible for crime and disorder, to ensure an effective, multi-agency response to domestic violence.
Progress on domestic violence since 1997
- Routine enquiry about domestic violence has been rolled out to all pregnant women.
- In Education, domestic violence is being included in all routine assessments of children.
- The Corporate Alliance Aginst Domestic Violence was formed, representing approximately 160 companies and over two million employees.
- The joint Foreign and Commonwealth Office/Home Office Forced Marriage Unit assists approximately 300 victims and potential victims a year.
- Communities and Local Government has developed a range of accommodation options for victims including Sanctuary Scheme guidance.
- Domestic violence training rolling out to all police and Crown Prosecutiion Service (CPS) prosecutors by 2008.
- Every police force and CPS area now has a domestic violence co-ordinator. Every police force also has a domestic violence chanpion.
- Specialist Domestic Violence Court Programme continues with 64 Specialist Domestic Violence Courts in operation by DVCs by April 2007.
- Accredited domestic abuse perpetrator programmes now in all probation areas.
Domestic Violence Mini-Site
