VICTIMS of domestic abuse will be better protected through the criminal justice system after a change of legislation welcomed by West Mercia Police.
The draft bill going before MPs will ensure victims are better protected in court and no longer have to face cross-examination from an abuser.
It will allow the police to force perpetrators into behaviour-changing rehabilitation programmes such as the ‘Drive Programme’ set up by West Mercia Police and Crime Commisioner John Campion.
He said: “My commitment is to always put victims first and I’m pleased to see the holistic approach to tackling this complex and important issue, at a local and national level.
“It’s vital that victims and survivors have specialist support to cope and recover.”
Mr Campion has also invested in a number of projects which provide specialist support to victims and also ensure the police have the resources to continue to make tackling domestic abuse a priority.
Contact details for support services which help victims of domestic abuse have been highlighted.
For Victim Support call 0808 168 9111 or visit victimsupport.org.uk
For the West Mercia Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre call 01905 724514 or visit www.wmrsasc.org.uk
Visit westmercia-pcc.gov.uk/working-together/drive-programme for more information on the Drive Programme.
