CAADA’S Call for Feedback
Improving understanding of the dynamics of domestic abuse is the key to better prosecutions, writes the Crown Prosecution Service’s Director of Public Prosecutions, Alison Saunders, as she encourages feedback from the sector on new draft guidance for prosecutors.
Tackling domestic violence has long been a priority for the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). The conviction rate for this type of offending currently stands at an all-time high, with almost three in four domestic violence prosecutions resulting in a conviction.
But we know that domestic abuse is not just about physical violence. It frequently involves controlling, coercive and threatening behaviour, and these are things which may not be immediately obvious to police and prosecutors when they first starting looking at a case.
With this in mind, and with the expert input of the Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) External Consultation Group, the CPS has produced new draft guidance on domestic abuse. They are currently consulting on this guidance and welcome views from specialists and members of the public.
The new draft guidance:
- Supports more effective prosecution of domestic abuse cases and sets out to prosecutors the actions and consideration they must take at every step of a case.
- Helps prosecutors to recognise how different types of victims may experience domestic abuse in varying ways , including abuse in teenage relationships and abuse against older people by an intimate partner or family member.
- Provides advice for prosecutors handling cases of child-to-parent violence and teenagers who may also be involved in gangs , and information about the types of abuse they may experience which may not immediately be seen as domestic abuse.
- Emphasises that support needs for victims should be identified from the outset , and continually considered throughout the life of a prosecution case.
- Strengthens our position on how the police and the CPS can bring prosecutions where a victim may be too fearful to continue through active support of a prosecution.
- Sets out how we will work closely with the police to build the strongest cases where possible to try and bring offenders to justice and protect victims from any further offending.
- Emphasises the need for prosecutors to liaise regularly with IDVAs and support services to provide victims with regular updates on their case and to make sure any changes in their circumstances are taken into account, so that safety measures can be adjusted accordingly.
CAADA’s response
CAADA will be responding to the new draft guidance shortly. Meanwhile, Sally Steadman-South, Manager of CAADA’s Young People’s Programme, welcomed the inclusion of relationship and gang-related abuse among young people. “It’s really encouraging,” she says, “but we’re keen to ensure the guidance goes even further in ensuring the prosecution of cases involving this vulnerable group.”
This includes:
- Emphasising the role of a specialist practitioner. When working with young people, prosecutors should be aware of the importance of a specialist practitioner such as a Young People’s Violence Advisor (YPVA) or Young People’s IDVA in supporting their client through the court process.
- Identifying wider opportunities to gain evidence. Abuse in teenage relationships can often take place in public places, schools and colleges, and this can provide unique opportunities to gather evidence which will support and enhance the victims’ statement.
- Utilising risk assessments. Through the work of the Young People’s Programme, a young people’s version of the Risk Identification Checklist is currently being piloted by professionals who specialise in working with young people and/or victims of domestic abuse. Where used, this can help to provide a better understanding of the risk that the young person is facing and feed into more appropriate safety planning and bail conditions.
- Ensuring appropriate training specialising in online abuse. Stalking, harassment and coercive control is often a feature of abusive relationships among young people, and frequently takes place online or via social media. Improving training and awareness at all points of the care pathway will help professionals to better understand this issue.
FIND OUT MORE
To view the guidance in full and to submit your thoughts, visit the CPS website. The consultation closes on Wednesday 9th July 2014.
Read CAADA’s response to the publication of the draft guidance.
Find out more about the Young People’s Programme, including the Young People’s Risk Identification Checklist.
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