Relate responds to government plans for sentencing domestic abusers who kill their partners or ex partners

Aidan Jones, Chief Executive at Relate said:

We welcome plans to make a history of coercive control or violence against the victim aggravating factors in sentencing decisions for murder. The horrific reality is that many women are subjected to years of abuse before they are ultimately killed by their partners. In the case of coercive and controlling behaviour, the abuse often remains unnoticed by friends and family who may be isolated from the victim. It is vital that the abuse does not also go unnoticed by the legal system and that domestic abusers who kill their partners are held to account for all of the crimes they commit.  Coercive and controlling behaviour is often misunderstood and it is important more is done to increase eductation and awareness around this serious gendered crime. As it stands, women who lash out after years of abuse still risk being inadvertently punished. We await the government’s response to the Wade review and consultation this summer.

-ENDS-

For all media enquiries contact Sarah Osmik on 020 7554 2895 or sarah.osmik@relate.org.uk. For urgent out-of-hours enquiries call 07875 049415.

Notes to editors:

• Relate is the largest provider of relationship support In England and Wales.
• We’re here for every relationship – from romance to roommates, from colleagues to co-parents.
• Our services include relationship counselling, family counselling, sex therapy, mediation and online self-help. You can access many of our services together or as an individual via webcam, phone, email or face-to-face.
• We’re an inclusive organisation and actively welcome people of all ages, backgrounds, relationship styles, faiths, religions, sexual orientations and genders.
• Relate is a registered charity number 207314.
• Millions of people every year access information, support and counselling from Relate but many more could benefit.
• For more information visit: Relate.org.uk.