13.01.2015
The updated guidance informs the handling of all aspects of domestic abuse offences, including greater detail on the non-violent ways abusers can control their victims, and on issues relating to specific groups of people.
Further additions to the guidance include specific tools for tackling domestic abuse in BME and LGBT communities, and sections on "revenge porn" and how it can affect cases.
The CPS expects to make nearly 90,000 prosecutions by the end of this financial year under the new guidelines, up from 70,700 in 2012/13.
"Magistrates and prosecutors across the country are telling me that the biggest change they are seeing in the Magistrates' court room is the increase in domestic abuse cases," said Director of Public Prosecutions Alison Saunders.
"This shifting caseload is a real challenge for the CPS but it is a challenge that we are preparing to meet."
New Guidance To Help CPS Deal With Increased Caseload
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) expects to deal with up to 20,000 more domestic abuse cases this year, thanks to new guidelines that came into force on December 30th 2014.The updated guidance informs the handling of all aspects of domestic abuse offences, including greater detail on the non-violent ways abusers can control their victims, and on issues relating to specific groups of people.
Further additions to the guidance include specific tools for tackling domestic abuse in BME and LGBT communities, and sections on "revenge porn" and how it can affect cases.
The CPS expects to make nearly 90,000 prosecutions by the end of this financial year under the new guidelines, up from 70,700 in 2012/13.
"Magistrates and prosecutors across the country are telling me that the biggest change they are seeing in the Magistrates' court room is the increase in domestic abuse cases," said Director of Public Prosecutions Alison Saunders.
"This shifting caseload is a real challenge for the CPS but it is a challenge that we are preparing to meet."
Expert Opinion
Domestic abuse and violence impacts a large number of people from all walks of life and across the entire spectrum of society. Everyone has the basic right to live without fearing for their safety, yet many face this danger every day. Therefore, we welcome the new guidelines implemented at the end of 2014, as they will ensure even more aspects of domestic abuse and controlling behaviour are taken into account and investigated. <br/> <br/>“It is imperative that measures are implemented to ensure this expected increase in cases can be dealt with professionally and efficiently and that the allegations of those coming forward are treated seriously and with sensitivity. <br/> <br/>"Controlling behaviour is simply unacceptable and it is vital such issues are tackled appropriately, which means implementing the procedures and resources required to deal with any rise in cases.”
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