Govt back Lib Dem campaigns protecting victims of domestic abuse and sexual offence

EMBARGO: Immediate Release 

Today (22nd May), the Government has agreed to act on two Lib Dem campaign priorities as part of their response to the Gauke Review.

In response to Liberal Democrat Justice Spokesperson Josh Babarinde’s campaign to formally recognise domestic abuse crimes in the law, the Government has announced it will create a specific, new categorisation that will enable judges to officially register offences as crimes of domestic abuse.

This would enable the Government to finally be able to exclude domestic abusers from its SDS40 early release scheme - which has so far allowed many domestic abusers to leave prison early in the absence of such a categorisation - putting victims at risk.

It will also mean the Government will now be able to track the number and reoffending rate of domestic abusers offenders. Josh Babarinde uncovered via a Written Parliamentary Question that currently, in the absence of a categorisation, the Government doesn’t know how many domestic abusers are in prison.

Sarah Olney’s longstanding campaign to enable victims of rape and sexual offences to request a transcript of sentencing remarks free of charge has also been included in the Government’s review.

Sarah’s campaign came after a constituent brought her attention to the shocking scandal, who had been charged thousands of pounds to obtain transcripts of their trial. Olney’s campaign called for the Government to introduce a pilot scheme to waive court transcript fees for victims of sexual violence.

Commenting, Liberal Democrat Justice Spokesperson Josh Babarinde MP said:

“Having grown up in a home where domestic abuse was rife, it means so much to have secured these wins from the Government by working alongside them, fellow victims and survivors of abuse, and victim charities for many months.

“If implemented robustly, these proposals will be a game-changer for thousands of survivors across the country, granting them the protection they deserve.

“I thank Ministers for listening to our calls and for specifically recognising the Liberal Democrat campaigns that have called for these changes.

“However, the fight to protect survivors does not stop now. I will continue to work with the Government to ensure that these changes deliver safety and justice for victims and survivors.”

Commenting, Liberal Democrat MP for Richmond Park Sarah Olney MP said:

“I am thrilled that the Government has finally listened to my long-standing campaign, and are finally giving victims the support and protection they deserve.

“A transcript of the judge's sentencing remarks is essential in providing clarity, and supporting victims. It is shocking that some victims have been cruelly charged thousands of pounds for a transcript about their own case- which is already traumatising enough.

“I will continue to work with the Government and hold them accountable to make sure this law works to support victims and give them the justice they so deserve.” 

ENDS

Notes to Editor:

1. Josh Babarinde’s proposals were reported in the BBC, The Times, Independent, Guardianand launched on Good Morning Britain.
2. Josh Babarinde’s Written Parliamentary Question where ministers confirmed they do not know how many domestic abusers are in prison is here.
3. Sarah Olney’s proposed law was reported in the Independent and the Standard.