MP’s Bold Move: Will New Law Finally Recognize All Forms of Domestic Abuse?

Eastbourne: There’s a big push happening to change how domestic abuse is treated in the law. Josh Babarinde, the local MP, is stepping up with a new bill. This aims to create specific offences for domestic abuse, which is a huge deal since right now, there’s no clear legal definition for it in England and Wales.

The whole thing kicked off after some prisoners guilty of domestic abuse were released early, which really raised eyebrows. Babarinde wants to close the loopholes that let these offenders slip through the cracks. He’s drawing from his own experiences growing up in a home affected by domestic abuse, hoping to make a real difference for others who’ve been through similar situations.

He’s also backing a campaign to build a refuge for victims, which has even gotten support from the Queen. It’s clear he’s passionate about this issue. Babarinde is frustrated that previous promises to keep domestic abusers in prison haven’t been kept. He points out that many offenders are charged with general crimes, making it hard to track those who are actually domestic abusers.

Right now, cases of domestic abuse are lumped in with broader offences, which hasn’t changed much since the 1800s. One victim, Elizabeth Hudson, shared her story about her ex-husband, who was eligible for early release despite his violent past. She highlighted how bizarre it is that domestic abuse isn’t even recognized in legal terms.

Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood explained that the current laws make it tricky to target offenders specifically. High-risk offenders should be exempt from early release, but that doesn’t always happen. Campaigners are worried that this is letting domestic abusers back on the streets too soon.

Babarinde’s bill, if passed, would create a new category for domestic abuse offences, making it clearer in the legal system. This could help ensure that those convicted of domestic abuse can’t just hide behind more general charges anymore. The second reading of the bill is set for January 24, and there’s hope it could lead to real change in the law.

Babarinde believes that survivors deserve better protection and that it’s time for the law to catch up with the reality of domestic abuse. He’s calling on the government to work with him and the survivors who support this bill to finally make a difference.