An MP calls for urgent legal reforms to specifically address domestic abuse, highlighting the need for better protections for victims.
London: Labour is feeling the heat to make domestic abuse a specific crime. Right now, abusers get charged with things like harassment or assault, but there’s no clear law just for domestic abuse.
Josh Babarinde, the Lib Dem justice spokesman, thinks it’s wild that the law hasn’t caught up yet. He told the Mirror that we need to change this not just to honor victims but also to understand how widespread domestic abuse really is.
Ministers say they’ll look into it during their sentencing review. But Babarinde insists it’s urgent. He pointed out that domestic abusers can still get early release under Labour’s current scheme, which doesn’t sit right.
He shared that this issue is personal for him, having faced domestic abuse in his own life. He stressed the importance of discussing it, especially during the holidays when many feel trapped at home with their abusers.
“I’ll do whatever it takes to make this law happen,” he said. “I’m ready to be a bit unreasonable for the sake of victims and survivors.” He’s seen too much to just let it slide, and he hopes the government will listen.
Babarinde is working on a Domestic Abuse (Aggravated Offences) Bill, which he published earlier this month. As a backbench MP, he knows it’s not guaranteed to get time in the Commons, but he’s hoping for a chance to debate it soon.
Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood has kept the door open on this issue but won’t decide until the sentencing review wraps up next year. She’s promised to dig deep into how criminals are punished, especially regarding women and girls, after taking over a troubled justice system.
Charities like Women’s Aid and Refuge are backing Babarinde’s proposals, showing there’s support for change. A Ministry of Justice spokesperson mentioned that the new government inherited a mess and is working on it, but they also noted that domestic abuse is already considered an aggravating factor in many cases.
People are eager for action, not just talk. Babarinde is clear that the Justice Secretary has the power to back this bill and make a real difference.
