Domestic Abuse Bill concerns

JEWISH WOMEN’S Aid has raised concerns that a proposed commissioner to deal with domestic abuse will not do enough to address sexual abuse and harassment against women.

The charity welcomed new laws set to be introduced to the UK to support victims of domestic violence, including what will be the first statutory government definition of domestic abuse, but said it was concerned that the role of a commissioner would not cover the “range of behaviours perpetrated against women and girls, for example sexual abuse and sexual harassment”.

The draft Domestic Abuse Bill recognises economic abuse and controlling and manipulative non-physical abuse as part of the definition but does not include sexual abuse or violence.

JWA Chief Executive Naomi Dickson said: “We are concerned that the role of the commissioner is limited to domestic abuse, and not extended to include the range of behaviours perpetrated against women and girls, for example sexual abuse and sexual harassment, and would welcome the inclusion of these.”

Ms Dickson said combating domestic abuse “needs to be strongly linked with effective relationships and sex education”.