Record number of prosecutions against women and girls

A BBC article this week reports that a record number of people have been prosecuted for offences categorised as 'violence against women and girls', figures for England and Wales show.

A Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) report showed more than 107,000 such prosecutions in the year to April, up 16,000 (18%) on the previous year.

The figures are for crimes 'primarily' against women, but male victims are also included.

The statistics include cases of rape, domestic violence and 'honour' crime.

There is no specific offence of honour-based violence, but it is used by the CPS to describe offences including domestic and sexual violence within families or social groups to 'protect perceived cultural and religious beliefs and/or honour'.

More prosecutions and more convictions are chiefly, it appears, a result of more victims having the confidence to come forward.

It is felt that the increase in the figures may partly be due to the growing use of the internet, which acts as an enabler of crime. In the report, prosecutors said a common theme was the use of the internet to contact potential victims and post indecent images and messages. The 'plus' side of this sinister new phenomenon is that online activity leaves digital traces which can be used by police as evidence.

Nevertheless, the CPS is revising some of its guidance so that prosecutors make the best use of the law to tackle cyber-facilitated abuse and violence.

They'll be reminded, for example, that restraining orders, which are used to prevent victims being harassed in the real world, can also be applied online to stop offenders posting or replying to messages to their victims.

Polly Neate, chief executive of Women's Aid, said the figures showed 'significant progress' had been made in taking domestic violence cases to court.

"This progress must continue until we have a system where women who experience domestic violence have exactly the same level of confidence as victims of other crimes, that they are heard and believed, the system works for them and protects their human right to live free from violence," she said.

At Hopkins Law we have a very experienced team in the field of violence against women. If you are a victim, or know someone who is, please contact us for help.  You can phone us on 029 2039 5888 or email Sally or myself.