A significant crackdown on violence against women and girls in British history is set to leave rapists and sex offenders with no place to hide. The government has pledged to use all available resources to track down perpetrators not only on the streets but also online. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood will introduce Clare’s Law, named after murder victim Clare Wood, which will be expanded to cover offenses like stalking and sexual assault.
This initiative is part of a comprehensive strategy to address the national emergency of violence against women and girls (VAWG). The reforms aim to empower women to take control of their safety by enhancing disclosure schemes to reveal if a partner has a history of abusive or violent behavior. Police will be authorized to inform victims and potential victims about their partner’s prior convictions related to violence against women.
Moreover, new measures include the mandate for all police forces to recruit specialized investigators for rape and sexual offenses by 2029. Dedicated police squads for online investigations will also be established to combat online abuse. Additionally, there will be an expansion of Domestic Abuse Protection Orders to impose restrictions on abusers, with penalties of up to 5 years in prison for breaches.
The Home Office’s successful covert network on child sexual abuse, which has apprehended over 1,700 perpetrators, will receive further investment. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing VAWG as a national emergency and pledged to reduce such crimes by half within a decade.
However, concerns have been raised about delays in the release of this long-awaited strategy, with some experts pointing out inconsistencies in police responses to violence against women and girls. The Angiolini Inquiry, initiated after the murder of Sarah Everard, highlighted failures in recording crimes and emphasized the need for improved information sharing within the police force.
In response to the government’s announcement, the Director of the End Violence Against Women Coalition called for more efficient operation of disclosure schemes and greater transparency in the government’s accountability framework. She stressed the importance of prevention and increased investment in combating abuse.
The Mirror’s advocacy through the Justice for Our Daughters campaign has been instrumental in pushing for stricter measures, aiming to increase the minimum sentence for domestic abuse murders from 15 to 25 years.