New domestic abuse orders may include electronic tags

DOMESTIC abusers could be banned from drinking alcohol and be fitted with electronic tags after the offence is recognised in law for the first time.

New civil orders will expand the potential restrictions that courts and police can impose on criminals who torment their partner, spouse and other family members.

The landmark consultation, announced on International Women’s Day today, seeks to protect people from psychological, sexual, physical, economic and emotional abuse at the hands of their partner. It will also ensure tougher sentences for abusers where children are involved.

Perpetrators could be required to attend parenting programmes or drug and alcohol treatment to reduce the risk of them carrying out further abuse.

The plans will also include a new Domestic Abuse Commissioner to speak up for victims, and more support in court, including screens and the ability to give evidence remotely. People who seek to control their partner’s access to money will also be sanctioned.

Announcing the consultation, Theresa May said: “This year we celebrated the centenary of achieving votes for women in this country, and today we recognise International Women’s Day.

“But while we have made great strides towards equality and opportunities for women, the fact there are still thousands of people suffering from domestic abuse shows how much work we still have to do.”

For the first time, courts will be given express powers to impose electronic monitoring as a condition of the proposed Domestic Abuse Protection Orders.

The measure would also enable the monitoring of the subject’s location to establish behaviour patterns or provide evidence of someone’s movements. This could also help prevent stalking or intimidation, according to the document.