Domestic Abuse victims to be criminalised under new law

The Crime & Policing Bill currently in the House of Lords contains a worrying provision (para 104) which would criminalise mothers who attempt to escape an abusive relationship by going back to their home country with their children. It is supported by fathers’ rights groups and, shockingly, by Reunite charity. This Guardian article provides more detail.

Along with GlobalARRK, Right to Equality, Unite Union, and domestic violence organisations across the UK, we are challenging this provision. We have written to MPs and peers, and circulated our Mothers Voices booklet (reprint co-funded by WAVE – Women Against Violence Europe) and have already received many supportive responses. 

We are determined to prevent this change to domestic law. If it goes through it will result in children being compelled to return to the UK alone, without their mothers, and potentially into the care of an abusive father. Even if mothers do return with their children, they will risk imprisonment and thus forced separation from their children. 

Please write to your MP to ask that para 104 is removed from the Bill and that mothers are not criminalised for seeking safety.

And let us know if you receive a response. If this goes through it will be catastrophic for victim-survivors of abuse.