Ryan Wellings jailed after partner Kiena Dawes took her own life – The Guardian

‘A violent and controlling “monster” who subjected his late partner, Kiena Dawes, to repeated assaults, bullying and belittling has been jailed for six and a half years.’

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The Guardian, 16th January 2025

Source: www.theguardian.com

Kiena Dawes: The complex question at case’s heart – BBC News

‘At the heart of the trial had been a complex legal question – can an abuser be held criminally responsible for the death of a victim who has taken their own life?’

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BBC News, 17th January 2025

Source: www.bbc.co.uk

The killing of Fiona Holm: why was the life and death of this much-loved mother so overlooked? – The Guardian

Posted January 16th, 2025 in domestic violence, missing persons, murder, news by sally

‘More than 170,000 people go missing in the UK each year – and Holm was one of them. She was adored by her family, who say she was let down again and again by the state, the police and the media.’

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The Guardian, 16th January 2025

Source: www.theguardian.com

Man cleared of causing death of partner who took her own life after controlling relationship – The Independent

‘The ex-boyfriend of a vulnerable young mother has been found guilty of assault and subjecting her to a prolonged campaign of abuse, but cleared of her manslaughter, after she left a suicide note claiming “I was murdered”.’

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The Independent, 13th January 2025

Source: www.independent.co.uk

Police misconduct hearings over Kiena Dawes abuse – BBC News

‘Three police officers are facing misconduct hearings following the death of a young mother who had suffered prolonged domestic abuse.’

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BBC News, 14th January 2025

Source: www.bbc.co.uk

Calls for law to give paid leave to people experiencing domestic abuse – The Independent

Posted January 6th, 2025 in bills, domestic violence, employment, holiday pay, news, remuneration, victims by sally

‘Victims of domestic abuse should have access to paid time off work to help them stay safe, according to a new proposed law.’

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The Independent, 6th January 2025

Source: www.independent.co.uk

Appeal to name Sara Sharif’s family court judges – BBC News

‘A bid to name the judges involved in Sara Sharif’s family court proceedings before she was killed will be heard at the Court of Appeal.’

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BBC News, 19th December 2024

Source: www.bbc.co.uk

BSB “not fit for purpose”, says Proudman after tribunal dismisses case – Legal Futures

‘The Bar Standards Board (BSB) has proven itself “unfit for purpose”, Dr Charlotte Proudman said yesterday after a disciplinary tribunal ruled she had no case to answer over tweets she sent.’

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Legal Futures, 13th December 2024

Source: www.legalfutures.co.uk

Barrister cleared of misconduct after criticising ‘boys’ club’ attitude in legal profession – The Guardian

‘A barrister has attacked misogyny in the legal profession after a misconduct case brought against her for calling out a “boys’ club” attitude was thrown out.’

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The Guardian, 12th December 2024

Source: www.theguardian.com

New guidance on ‘parental alienation’ in family court battles – BBC News

‘Family courts in England and Wales should give more weight to allegations of domestic abuse than to claims of “parental alienation”, according to new guidance.’

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BBC News, 11th December 2024

Source: www.bbc.co.uk

MP’s bid to finally have all forms of domestic abuse recognised in law – The Independent

‘The scandal of scores of prisoners guilty of domestic abuse being released early from prison has prompted a bid to change the law.’

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The Independent, 11th December 2024

Source: www.independent.co.uk

Domestic Abuse Protection Order Pilot Scheme – 25 Bedford Row

‘As of 27 November 2024, Domestic Abuse Protection Orders (“DAPOs”) are being piloted in Greater Manchester, parts of South London (Croydon, Bromley, and Sutton) and the British Transport Police.’

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25 Bedford Row, 10th December 2024

Source: www.25bedfordrow.com

How to apply for entry clearance for Victims of Transnational Marriage Abandonment – EIN Blog

‘Since 31 January 2024, victims of transnational marriage abandonment can apply for a visa to return to the UK. This follows the landmark case of R on the application of AM -v- Secretary of State for the Home Department 2022.’

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EIN Blog, 8th December 2024

Source: www.ein.org.uk

Murderers who use strangulation or kill ex-partners face longer jail terms – The Guardian

Posted December 6th, 2024 in domestic violence, imprisonment, murder, news, sentencing, statistics, victims, women by michael

‘Under new laws announced on Friday [6th December] judges will have to consider tougher jail terms for murderers who strangle their victims or whose action is connected to the end of a relationship.’

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The Guardian, 6th December 2024

Source: www.theguardian.com

New measures to protect victims of domestic abuse – Ministry of Justice

Posted December 2nd, 2024 in domestic violence, government departments, news, victims by sally

‘Domestic abusers will be ordered to stay away from their victims and face tougher restrictions with the launch of new protective orders today.’

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Ministry of Justice, 28th November 2024

Source: www.gov.uk

Domestic abuse cases rarely convicted, data shows – BBC News

Posted November 28th, 2024 in domestic violence, news, police, prosecutions, statistics by sally

‘Fewer than half of domestic abuse cases in England and Wales end up as police-recorded crimes, and most of these do not lead to a prosecution, government figures suggest.’

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BBC News, 27th November 2024

Source: www.bbc.co.uk

What Are The Major Policing Reforms? – Each Other

Posted November 22nd, 2024 in criminal justice, domestic violence, government departments, news, police, victims by sally

‘Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, announced plans for major policing reforms yesterday at the National Police Chiefs’ Council and Association of Police and Crime Commissioners’ annual conference.’

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Each Other, 21st November 2024

Source: eachother.org.uk

Insight – How does the definition of domestic abuse apply to under 16s? – House of Commons Library

Posted November 20th, 2024 in children, domestic violence, murder, news, young offenders, young persons by sally

‘The law defines domestic abuse as abusive behaviour by one person towards another, where both people are aged 16 or over. This age limit has come under scrutiny following the murder of 15-year-old Holly Newton by her ex-boyfriend. In a victim impact statement to court, Holly’s mother, Micala Trussler, described Holly’s murder as “a classic case of domestic abuse”, but said the law prevented her from calling it domestic abuse due to Holly’s age. This Insight looks at the statutory definition of domestic abuse and how it applies to teenage relationships.’

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House of Commons Library, 19th November 2024

Source: commonslibrary.parliament.uk

Husband who stabbed wife as she soothed baby jailed – BBC News

Posted November 18th, 2024 in attempted murder, domestic violence, families, imprisonment, news, sentencing by sally

‘A former councillor has been sentenced to 18 years in prison after stabbing his wife three times while she soothed their baby.’

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BBC News, 15th November 2024

Source: www.bbc.co.uk

A new Cafcass Domestic Abuse Practice Policy – Becket Chambers

‘On 9th October 2024 Cafcass published a new policy document that outlines what actions ‘practitioners’ (Family Court Advisers and Guardians) and their managers should undertake when working with children and adults who have experienced domestic abuse. The policy is a direct response to the 2020 Harm Panel report and it sets out a clear intention of further protecting child and adult victims of domestic abuse.’

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Becket Chambers, 31st October 2024

Source: becket-chambers.co.uk