New report covering police response to domestic abuse allegations

There seems to have been a rash of reports in the last 12 months covering different aspects of domestic violence.

The latest, published today, is an in depth review of how a selection of police forces have responded to victims. It makes uncomfortable reading for police and victims alike. Whilst the report does highlight pockets of good practice, there was scathing criticism for the vast majority of constabularies.

I'd always encourage you to read original sources over second hand accounts wherever possible (especially if you're going to reference the report obviously) and with that in mind the whole thing can be found here. That said, if you'd prefer a shorter account of what the report says, the BBC has a good mix of video, audio and text here covering the issue.

Let me know if you'd like any help with the strategic reading or referencing of such a document.

Women's rights in India

I'll keep this one short as I'm on holiday.

I was listening to Women's Hour this morning and it turned out to be about the protests of women in India following the much discussed gang rape of a woman on a bus.

It's very moving and you can find it here.

New domestic violence statistics

On Saturday 23rd The Guardian reported that domestic violence conviction rates are at an all time high by writing this. The improvement has in part been explained by the efforts of Keir Starmer, the director of public prosecutions, who when appointed instigated a four year plan to improve things.

There are some interesting statistics mentioned in there so I'd take a look if it's an area that interests or concerns you.

Clare's Law update.

There was a 5 minute discussion on the Today programme yesterday detailing the ongoing debate to bring into being 'Clare's Law', which proposes that women will be able to conduct background checks on potential partners to see whether they have previous convictions for domestic abuse.

The programme link here will work for 7 days so don't delay if you're interested in this issue.

If you'd like some extra background info on this whole debate the Guardian had a good piece on the whole issue yesterday. You can read it from here.

Possible changes to domestic abuse law.

I must admit I didn't know the current domestic abuse law was even under discussion, but this morning I heard a radio debate which said the government is considering whether to add 'psychological abuse' to the behaviours which count as domestic abuse.

I'm sure you've some experience of debating and hearing such issues, but the piece features an interview with a woman who was both physically and psychologically abused by her partner.

The interview is about 11 minutes in length and can be found on the Today Programme website.

Proposal for domestic abuse register.

I heard a discussion on the Today programme this morning concerning Clare's Law.

Former Home Office minister, Hazel Blears, is fronting a campaign to make it legal for police to share information with anyone who is concerned about an individual having convictions for domestic abuse. It is thought that it would be used by, for example, a woman beginning a new relationship with a man who exhibits unexpected violent behaviour to ascertain whether that man has previous convictions against women.

The campaign has been named after Clare Wood, who was murdered by an offender with a history of violence against women.

I suspect the immediate reaction of most people to this campaign would be that this is a good thing. However, the debate touches on issues around who will have access and how this information will be shared.

You can find more information on the history of this story on the BBC website.