MPs hear Ann Keen Speak at Entrance of Domestic Violence Bill
The Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Bill entered the House of Commons for the first time on 14th June. Home Secretary, David Blunkett introduced the Bill, which provides the biggest overhaul of domestic violence law in 30 years, heralding tough powers for the police and the courts to protect victims and prosecute abusers.
Proposals in the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Bill will strengthen the rights of victims and witnesses, ensuring they receive the help, support and protection they need. They build on the Government's ongoing reform of the criminal justice system, rebalancing the process in favour of victims and witnesses.
Speaking in the second reading of the Bill, local MP Ann Keen said, �The first women's refuge in Britain and I believe the world was set up in Chiswick, We are seeing unprecedented political activity on domestic violence. It is more than 30 years since the relevant legislation was given such a far reaching overhaul � it certainly needed one. �
�At one time it was acceptable to be a drink driver, but that is no longer the case, I believe that we have now reached the stage where our society is saying that domestic violence is no longer acceptable.�
I praise the work of the Hounslow Asian Women's Refuge in my constituency and of the Southall Black Sisters in the neighbouring area. They have done so much for so long at a time when it was not easy to talk about domestic violence. �
Home Secretary, David Blunkett said, "Domestic violence is an abhorrent crime, which costs the lives of two women every week, and accounts for 1 in 5 of all violent crime. This Bill will ensure that victims get the help, support and protection they need, and that the police and the courts have the powers they need to convict and punish these offenders.
"A Victims Fund will put more money into services such as practical support, information and advice to victims of rape and sexual offences, road traffic accident victims and those who have been bereaved as a result of crime. We want to provide more funding to the voluntary sector and communities to meet local needs. I have already dedicated £4 million from the proceeds of crime to this fund. The measures we are announcing today will further help to ensure that offenders contribute more to supporting victims.
June 16, 2004