HARLOW MP, Robert Halfon, has welcomed the Government’s plan to crackdown on domestic abuse in Harlow and across the country – Robert is backing plans to change the law and ensure offenders do not fall through the cracks, protecting victims and their families.

The Government has announced plans to improve how domestic violence, including coercive and  controlling behaviour, will be tackled across the country. There will be a change to the law to put physical and emotional abuse on the same level, with more powers for the police to actively manage offenders. 

Furthermore, the Government is actively improving the support available to victims, including through expansion of the ‘Action Needed Immediately’ scheme and new emergency support and advice services at jobcentres and benefit offices. This means that anyone who has suffered domestic abuse can seek urgent help in a safe and private space with support to contact the police or specialist domestic abuse services.

Member of Parliament for Harlow, Robert Halfon, welcomed the announcement, commenting, “There is no place for domestic abuse in our community. That is why I have passionately campaigned for better protection for victims of domestic abuse and action to tackle violence against women and girls since I was elected in 2010. The Government’s plan to tackle domestic abuse is a vital step forward to ensuring everybody feels safe at home and in public. 

“I have long since called for more family hubs to support vulnerable people and ensure victims of domestic abuse can get help when they need it. It is also important that victims are protected when they come forward, which is why I have lobbied the Victims Commissioner for greater victim safeguarding, especially for children.
“I am pleased to back the Government’s plan to crackdown on domestic abusers, ensuring everybody knows where they can go for help and making sure that police have the powers to deal with offenders and actively manage abusers in the community after release from prison. This joined up and long term approach will protect victims and their families in Harlow and across the country.”

Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak said,“No woman or girl should ever have to feel unsafe in her home or community and I am determined to stamp out these appalling crimes. As well as extra support for victims, we’re making it a priority for the police to tackle violence against women and girls and toughening up the way offenders are managed – preventing more of these crimes from happening in the first place, and bringing more perpetrators to justice.”

Home Secretary, Suella Braverman, added,“Domestic abuse is a despicable crime that leads to people’s closest relationships becoming a frightening existence of torment, pain, fear, and anxiety. The wide-ranging measures announced today will mean the most dangerous offenders will be watched more closely and added to the violent and sex offender register.”