News Item - News - Surrey Police

Increased protection for victims of domestic abuse

Submitted: 29/06/2007 15:26:18

A change in the law is set to give additional protection to those victims of domestic abuse who have been safeguarded by an injunction from their abuser: from next week it will be a criminal offence to breach that injunction.

This is a significant change as previously a power of arrest was only attached to an injunction in certain circumstances by the issuing judge. In the event of a breach of an order which had no power of arrest attached, the victim had to go to a civil court to get an arrest warrant.

Under Section 1 of the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004, which will be implemented on 1 July 2007, it becomes a criminal offence with a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment to breach a non-molestation order, commonly known as an injunction.

If an abuser breaches the terms of an injunction which could for example include not going near a particular person or property, he or she commits an offence and police can make an immediate arrest.

Surrey Police together with its partners, including the National Centre for Domestic Violence, has been working to encourage victims of domestic abuse to come forward and receive protection from their pain which is often suffered in silence. When police officers attend reports of domestic abuse they work to strict guidelines to ensure victims receive the necessary care and advice.

Commenting on the new law Detective Superintendent Brian Boxall said:

“This strengthens the ability of the police to able to enforce injunctions and reduce the risk to victims. This is a welcome law change.

“In the past police have often been in a position where they have an abuser apparently in breach of an injunction but they are then left trying to establish if a power of arrest was attached. That doubt is removed by this change in the law and abusers should be in no doubt, if they breach an injunction they are liable to arrest and imprisonment. Surrey Police is determined to bring these individuals to justice.”

Steve Connor, Chairman of the National Centre for Domestic Violence said:

“This is fantastic news for NCDV, the police, and, more importantly, the thousands of men and women who fall victim to this cowardly crime. Now with the possibility for criminal sanctions, it’s an ideal time for us to work together with the police to ensure that victims of domestic abuse are fully protected from the perpetrators, and can finally start a new life leaving the horrors of domestic abuse behind.”

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Ends Ref:SD/68/07

For further information please contact Surrey Police press office

E-mail: press.office@surrey.pnn.police.uk