London’s top prosecutor concerned about underreporting of domestic violence crime

28/11/2012

London’s top prosecutor has raised concerns over the number of domestic violence crimes that go unreported in the capital.

Alison Saunders, Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS London, is urging victims and witnesses of domestic violence to report crimes so that perpetrators can be brought to justice.

Alison said: "Everyone should feel safe and secure in their own home but this is often not the case when domestic violence is present. Domestic violence can often go unreported as the victim feels helpless and isn't confident in reporting the crime.

"Victims of domestic abuse often suffer repeated and long-term abuse and we want them to feel safe in coming forward to help us bring their abusers to justice. Domestic violence is not limited to physical abuse it can also include physiological, sexual, financial and emotional abuse and any incident of threatening behaviour or violence between intimate partners or family members.

"We believe domestic violence abuses are under-reported in London and we are working hard to make sure that victims and witnesses are confident in reporting cases of domestic violence. The CPS has specific policies for domestic violence and takes these crimes extremely seriously."

Alisons concerns come in the wake of White Ribbon Day (25/11/12), a United Nations campaign which aims to eliminate violence against women. The CPS successfully prosecutes hundreds of domestic violence cases, against men and women, each year but reporting of domestic violence is particularly low in the London area.

To make victims and witnesses feel comfortable giving evidence there are a number of special measures which can be put in place. These include:

• Using screens to shield the witness from the defendant
• Giving evidence via video link away from the court
• Excluding members of the public from the room or applying for reporting restrictions on media who might be covering the case
• Removal of wigs and gowns in the crown court
• Using intermediaries for people with specific needs to facilitate communication.

CPS London works closely with Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVAs), who support victims and witnesses through the prosecution process.
It also works with the police to build strong cases and in some circumstances where there is other evidence it may be possible to proceed without the victim.

CPS London and the MPS have a Service Level Agreement (SLA) for domestic violence cases which ensures that cases are dealt with in a consistent way and that CPS London and the police work together to ensure that victims of both direct and indirect domestic violence are fully supported through positive action and that offenders are brought to justice quickly.

More information:

Caroline Ivison, CPS London press officer
020 7147 7794
Caroline.ivison@cps.gsi.gov.uk

ENDS