Blunkett committed to tackling domestic violence

The Home Secretary today announced new proposals for dealing with domestic violence.

One in four women will be a victim of abuse during her lifetime, while on average two women are killed every week by violent partners.

The new consultation document focuses on three main areas of tackling the problem: prevention, protection and support.

The most radical changes involve protection and justice for victims with a register of offenders being proposed, along with increased rights for the police including making common assault an arrestable offence.

Mr. Blunkett commented: "Domestic violence has many causes, many forms. But it is important that the system is coherent and effective and able to help prevent such violence as well as tackling the underlying causes."

The Government is also committed to investing nearly £20m in refuge provision for abused women, and is seeking to support women who wish to stay in their homes.

Mr. Blunkett noted today that he was also concerned with the effects of domestic violence on the children who witness it, and support and counselling services have been proposed for them.

Although public attitudes towards domestic violence have come along way in the last decade, a recent survey suggested that one in five men still believes that abusing their partners is acceptable under certain circumstances.

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