Domestic Violence and Victims Bill to be Welcomed- Annette Brooke MP

12.00.00am GMT Wed 3rd Dec 2003

Speaking in the Queen's Speech debate on Home Affairs yesterday, Annette Brooke MP welcomed the publication of a Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Bill to be debated this session.

Annette Brooke said:

"This is a welcome but long overdue bill which tackles one of the biggest hidden crimes in this country.

"Two women die each week as a result of domestic violence and many cases go unreported through fear and intimidation. It is shocking, but true.

"Tackling domestic violence and providing better witness protection is vital, but the Government must also look at how children involved in domestic violence are subsequently protected. Over 27,000 children in Britain currently live in refuges as it is unsafe for them to be at home. This must be addressed."

The Bill also will address the vital services for victims and witness, and will establish a Commissioner for Victims and Witnesses whose primary functions will be to promote their interests and provide best practice of their treatment. Annette Brooke has held meetings with Dorset Victim Support to understand better their needs and concerns.

As spokeswoman for the voluntary sector and charities, Annette Brooke is particularly interested in ensuring that the whole sector is properly resourced and recognised by the government for the very wide range of services they provide.

Shocking statistics show that domestic violence accounts for one quarter of all murders in the UK nearly half of all female murder victims are killed by a partner or ex-partner. Women's Aid, the leading domestic violence charity, estimates that a woman is assaulted 35 times before reporting it to anyone.

Thousands of children witness and experience domestic violence while growing up. This serious crime must be tackled before they are permanently scarred by such abuse.