Respect welcomes the DA Bill, including the new definition of Domestic Abuse and improvements to court arrangements for victims. However, we think that a strategic approach to perpetrators is missing. It is simply impossible to prevent or end domestic abuse without responding to the people causing the harm.
We are supporting a number of amendments from colleagues across the Violence Against Women sector, these are detailed in this joint recommendations document.
COVID-19 has had widespread impact on the domestic abuse sector. Respect conducted an initial survey with Respect members on the impact that COVID-19 has been having on their domestic abuse perpetrator services.
It seems government was listening when we – and many other domestic abuse services - told them they needed to invest in holding perpetrators to account. The budget contained the first ever envelope for perpetrator/prevention work. This is a first victory for the Call to Action!
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