New domestic abuse law welcomed
Thursday, 31st December 2015.
Officers have welcomed a new law which could see domestic abuse offenders jailed for up to five years for ‘controlling’ their victims.
From today (Tuesday 29 December) a specific offence of ‘coercive or controlling behaviour’ has been added to The Serious Crime Act 2015.
It is hoped such a change on a national level will encourage men and women across Suffolk who feel they are falling victim to such behaviour to speak out and to seek help.
Detective Superintendent David Cutler, of Suffolk’s Protecting Vulnerable People directorate, welcomed the new law.
"Domestic abuse is not just about physical violence. Abuse takes many different forms and being threatened, intimidated, called names, told who you can talk to, stopped from going out, harassed or being isolated from your friends and family or controlled in other ways are also signs of abuse.
Suffolk Constabulary is committed to taking positive action to tackle domestic abuse in all of its forms. We know that victims come from every walk of life and every community and it is really important to us that anyone suffering from abuse has the confidence to speak to us and allow us to support and assist them.
"We do very much recognise how hard it can be for someone who is experiencing domestic abuse to come forward and make the decision to report and I want to stress that our priority in any case is always the victim of the abuse and their family. We work closely with our partner agencies to ensure that the right support is in place and I am pleased that this new legislation will give us increased opportunities to take action against those who abuse through coercive or controlling behaviour as well as those that use violence.”
Suffolk Police and Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore said; "Preventing and dealing with domestic abuse is a top priority in The Suffolk Police and Crime Plan coupled with complete commitment to confront this abhorrent crime. Since I became Commissioner I have been deeply saddened and shocked when I have listened to the experiences of the victims.
"I am very pleased there is now a specific offence of coercive or controlling behaviour. This helps bring the perpetrators to justice and I hope will ensure they receive much stiffer offences for their appalling behaviour. Domestic abuse is never acceptable in any circumstances.”
From today (Tuesday 29 December) a specific offence of ‘coercive or controlling behaviour’ has been added to The Serious Crime Act 2015.
It is hoped such a change on a national level will encourage men and women across Suffolk who feel they are falling victim to such behaviour to speak out and to seek help.
Detective Superintendent David Cutler, of Suffolk’s Protecting Vulnerable People directorate, welcomed the new law.
"Domestic abuse is not just about physical violence. Abuse takes many different forms and being threatened, intimidated, called names, told who you can talk to, stopped from going out, harassed or being isolated from your friends and family or controlled in other ways are also signs of abuse.
Suffolk Constabulary is committed to taking positive action to tackle domestic abuse in all of its forms. We know that victims come from every walk of life and every community and it is really important to us that anyone suffering from abuse has the confidence to speak to us and allow us to support and assist them.
"We do very much recognise how hard it can be for someone who is experiencing domestic abuse to come forward and make the decision to report and I want to stress that our priority in any case is always the victim of the abuse and their family. We work closely with our partner agencies to ensure that the right support is in place and I am pleased that this new legislation will give us increased opportunities to take action against those who abuse through coercive or controlling behaviour as well as those that use violence.”
Suffolk Police and Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore said; "Preventing and dealing with domestic abuse is a top priority in The Suffolk Police and Crime Plan coupled with complete commitment to confront this abhorrent crime. Since I became Commissioner I have been deeply saddened and shocked when I have listened to the experiences of the victims.
"I am very pleased there is now a specific offence of coercive or controlling behaviour. This helps bring the perpetrators to justice and I hope will ensure they receive much stiffer offences for their appalling behaviour. Domestic abuse is never acceptable in any circumstances.”
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