Leading figures urge government reform to protect domestic abuse survivors from criminalization
London: Survivors of domestic abuse are facing harsh penalties in a flawed justice system, according to top lawyers and campaigners pushing for change.
Notable figures like Cherie Blair KC and former Victims Commissioner Dame Vera Baird KC have signed a letter from Women in Prison, calling for an end to the unfair treatment of women.
They argue that the signs of domestic abuse are often overlooked when women are prosecuted for crimes, leading to unjust outcomes.
One survivor shared her story, saying her abusive boyfriend forced her to carry drugs, and when she was arrested, she received a prison sentence. She hopes no other woman has to endure such a fate.
The open letter, published recently, is directed at key Labour government officials, including Lord Chancellor Shabana Mahmood and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper.
It highlights that survivors are being criminalized due to their experiences, which is a common issue seen by those working on the front lines.
With support from 96 organizations, the letter calls for a commitment to stop punishing survivors and to lessen the harm they face in the justice system.
Ms. Mahmood has pledged to reduce the number of women in overcrowded prisons, noting that many female inmates have experienced domestic abuse.
Experts say that women defending themselves against domestic violence struggle to prove self-defense due to the system’s biases.
The government is under pressure to reassess how a survivor’s past is considered in court, especially during sentencing and probation evaluations.
The focus should shift from punishment to support for those affected by abuse, even for those who end up in jail.
Lucy Russell from Women in Prison sees this as a chance for the government to align its goals of improving justice for women and reducing violence against them.
By tackling the root causes of women’s involvement in the justice system, we can stop the cycle of criminalizing abuse survivors and lessen their suffering.
Signatories to the letter include various prominent figures and organizations advocating for reform, emphasizing the need for a new approach to women’s justice.
At a recent Labour Party conference, Ms. Mahmood stated that prison isn’t effective for women and announced the formation of the Women’s Justice Board to help reduce prison populations.
She pointed out that prison often leads women deeper into crime rather than rehabilitating them.
The government has initiated a sentencing review, led by former Justice Secretary David Gauke, with results expected in Spring 2025.