Victims of domestic abuse will be allowed more time to report incidents of common assault or battery against them, the Government today announced.
Currently, prosecutions must commence within six months of the offence. However, according to new measures added to the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill, this requirement will be moved to six months from the date the incident is formally reported to the police – with an overall time limit of two years from the offence to bring a prosecution.
The taking of non-consensual photographs or video recordings of breastfeeding mothers will also be made a specific offence punishable by up to two years in prison.
‘We’re giving the victims of domestic abuse longer to report the offence to the police – so abusers don’t evade justice,’ said the secretary of state for justice, Dominic Raab
‘And we will introduce a new offence to stop people filming or taking photos of mothers breast feeding without their consent – because no new mum should be harassed in this way.’
Domestic abuse commissioner Nicole Jacobs commented: ‘I strongly welcome the additions made to the PCSC Bill today, which allow victims of domestic abuse more time to report to the police.
‘It is important that all domestic abuse victims have the time and opportunity to report to the police. This is especially important following Covid restrictions, when many victims faced additional challenges to seeking help and reporting domestic abuse.
‘I want to see increased prosecutions for domestic abuse, and hope to see that as these measures remove another barrier to bringing perpetrators to justice.’
Isabelle Younane, head of policy, campaigns and public affairs at Women’s Aid said: 'Women’s Aid welcomes this much-needed extension that will save and improve lives.
'The six-month limit exacerbated the immense personal and societal challenges survivors face when reporting domestic abuse. It accounted for neither the fact that women simply may not be able to report until after they’ve escaped the abuser and found safety, nor the complexity and duration of many cases.
'While this amendment is a step in the right direction, police must ensure that violence against women and girls is a top priority and that all forces are fully trained in domestic abuse. This is vital in order to restore women’s trust in the police and help ensure survivors feel able to report these crimes.'
