An MP is pushing for a specific domestic violence offence to improve justice for victims in England and Wales
Babarinde, who represents Eastbourne, shared that his own childhood experiences with domestic violence motivate him. He wants the law to reflect the trauma survivors face. He feels that naming domestic violence as a specific crime would help shine a light on the issue, which often stays hidden.
He pointed out that while domestic abuse can influence sentencing, it isn’t classified as a standalone offence. This became evident when 1,700 prisoners were released early, including some abusers, without notifying their victims. Babarinde argues that having a specific offence would prevent these early releases in the future.
The government is considering Babarinde’s proposal, but any changes will have to wait until a broader review of sentencing policies is completed. He’s received support from both Labour and Conservative MPs, which shows that there’s a growing consensus on the need for change.
Babarinde hopes to use his platform to raise awareness about domestic violence. He recalls how lonely and frightening his childhood was during those violent episodes. He believes that by sharing his story, he can encourage others to speak up about their experiences too.
A spokesperson from the Ministry of Justice acknowledged that domestic abuse takes many forms and that current laws already consider it an aggravating factor in sentencing. However, they are also looking into how to better address violence against women and girls in the future.
