Domestic violence - 14 year sentences?

MPs from all parties are looking at an American style law that would see offenders in domestic violence cases being sentenced for up to 14 years.

At present there is no specific offence of domestic abuse as defined in criminal law.  Instead, offenders are prosecuted for the specific crime such as rape or assault.  In many cases previous abusive behaviour is not taken into account - this is of particular concern in domestic violence cases where the violence and abuse is often a pattern of behaviour.

The proposed law would make domestic abuse a specific offence and would allow for the law to look at an offender’s conduct over a period of time. The law would see domestic abuse categorised as both physical and psychological and perpetrated against the victim or the victim's children. It would define abuse as "intentionally, wilfully or recklessly causing, or attempting to cause, physical injury or psychological harm to a person" and introduce protective orders prohibiting an abuser from making contact with their victim.

The bill’s supporters believe that it will enjoy broad support in parliament and is likely to become law.

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