CPS domestic violence figures show further rise in convictions

CPS domestic violence figures show further rise in convictions

The Crown Prosecution Service’s latest figures for domestic violence show that convictions are continuing to rise year on year and have risen by 20 per cent since 2003. Three-quarters of the cases in the Crown Courts – where the most serious cases are heard – ended in a conviction.

 

The figures were released in the annual CPS snapshot survey which counted and analysed the number of cases of domestic violence finalised in December 2006. This is the fifth and final snapshot of domestic violence cases the CPS has carried out since 2002. The snapshot will be replaced in 2008-09 with an annual Hate Crimes Report.

 

Conviction rates have risen from their lowest recorded point of 46 per cent in 2003, to 59 per cent in 2005, up to 66 per cent in 2006 – a year on year improvement of seven per cent  and 20 per cent over three years.

 

Click here for the full report

 

Sandra Horley OBE, Chief Executive of national domestic violence charity Refuge says:

“Refuge is encouraged to see the rising number of convictions for domestic violence.  As the most abhorrent of crimes, it is vital that domestic violence is taken seriously and perpetrators held accountable for their actions.  The legal system is often complex, intimidating and isolating for victims of domestic violence.  But Specialist Domestic Violence Courts are having a positive impact and thanks in many cases to the support of independent domestic violence advocates; the number of women giving evidence is increasing.

 

“Despite years of Refuge campaigning however, charges are often downgraded to common assault and sentences for domestic violence perpetrators rarely match the seriousness of the crime.  The best deterrent can only be rigorous arresting and appropriate charging.  Yet the efforts of the CPS are in danger of being undermined by courts opting against custodial sentences in favourof anger management programmes. 

 

“Refuge seriously questions the effectiveness of these programmes.  Due to lack of staff and resources, waiting lists are so long that probation orders expire before the offender even gets through the door.  More importantly, research shows that men who have completed perpetrator programmes often return to violence and in some cases find more sophisticated methods of abuse and control.” 

 

Key findings in the survey included:

  • Recorded cases of domestic violence increased by three per cent compared with December 2005, to more than 3,100 cases charged for prosecution; double those recorded in 2002.

  • Magistrates’ courts had a conviction rate of 64 per cent and Crown Courts had a conviction rate of 75 per cent.

  • Fewer cases were discontinued by the CPS: 17 per cent in 2003, 13 per cent in 2005 and 11 per cent in 2006.

  • There was a fall in the number of victims who retracted their statement. In 2004 it was 34 per cent and this fell to 28 per cent in 2006.

 

There have been a number of initiatives during the year since the last CPS domestic violence report was published. These have included an increase in the number of Specialist Domestic Violence Courts to 64; a CPS poster campaign about violence against women highlighting the range of offences which could be prosecuted as well as support services for victims; the revision of the CPS employee domestic violence policy;  and more than 2,800 CPS staff have been  trained in domestic violence issues since April 2005, including all lawyers who prosecute in the specialist domestic violence courts.

 

Ends

 

NOTES TO EDITORS

  1.  More than 57,000 domestic violence cases were charged for prosecution in 2006-07. The snapshot looks at the cases of domestic violence finalised in December 2006 – more than 3,100 cases.
  2. The number of Specialist Domestic Violence Courts has increased since the first pilot courts ran  in Croydon (London) and Caerphilly (Gwent) from January 2004. The number was increased to 25 in 2005-06 with a further 39 selected in 2006-07, making a total of 64 from April 2007.
  3. The CPS Domestic Violence project tested out different ways of improving domestic violence prosecutions in Caerphilly and Croydon. In Caerphilly a specialist team of an independent domestic violence lay adviser, a dedicated police officer and a dedicated CPS lawyer provided a coordinated response at the start of cases which were fast-tracked through the courts. In Croydon a specialist court system was set up with specific domestic violence court sessions twice a week. 

 

For further information on the snapshot contact Julie Seddon, CPS Press Office, 020 7796 8180

email julie.seddon@cps.gsi.gov.uk

 

 

 

Top line stats from CPS DV snapshot – Dec 2006

 

The 2006 snapshot reflects the national picture across the CPS – that of an increased volume of cases with more successful outcomes and fewer cases dropped by the CPS.

 

  • Over 57,000 domestic violence cases were charged for prosecution in 2006-07
  • There has been an increase of 51% in recorded domestic violence cases since the quarter ending June 2005
  • Convictions for domestic violence cases increased from 60% in April – June 2005 to 66.6% in January – March 2007; this was a significant improvement against the background of an increasing volume of prosecutions
  • Conviction rates rose from their lowest recorded point of 46% in 2003 to 59% in 2005 and to 66% in 2006 – a year on year improvement of 7 percentage points and an improvement of 20 percentage points over three years
  • The overwhelming majority of offences recorded were perpetrated by male defendants (94% of the total), while 89% of victims were female. This data has been consistent since 2002
  • Age – 43% of defendants were aged between 31 and 45 while 40% were aged between 18 and 30 (compared to 45% and 37% in 2005) . The most common age for victims was 18-30 (33%) slightly higher than the figure of 30% recorded in 2005, although the age of the victim was not stated in 21% of cases
  • Type of offence/charges made – 50% of offences recorded were common assaults, compared with 54% in 2005, 15% were criminal damage, the same as in 2005, and 9% actual bodily harm, compared with 11% in 2005.  There were seven murders in 2006 compared with five in 2005
  • The 34% of cases resulting in an unsuccessful outcome consisted of 30% dropped by the CPS and 4% found not guilty after trial; (compared to 41% (35% dropped by the CPS and 6% found not guilty after trial) in 2005
  • Of the 30% dropped 483 (16%) cases were dropped as no evidence was offered, compared with 425 (14%) in 2005
  • Over the past five years: Fewer cases were discontinued by the CPS (16% in 2002, 17% in 2003, 13% in 2005 and 11% in 2006)
  • Victim retractions fell from 37% in 2002 to 28% in 2006. Of those victims retracting, 49% of cases continued with 40% of these resulting in a guilty plea, compared with a similar continuance of 50% in December 2005 and less than a quarter in December 2004
  • CPS organizational changes regarding domestic violence since the December 2005 snapshot.
  • Since April 2005, over 2,800 CPS staff have been trained in domestic violence, including all lawyers prosecuting in specialist domestic violence courts.
  • Following the successful selection of 25 Specialist Domestic Violence Courts (SDVC) in 2005/06, a further 39 SDVC systems were selected in 2006/07, making a total of 64 operational systems from April 2007. The SDVC Programme has enabled the development of a network of Independent Domestic Violence Advocates to support victims within the SDVC areas and MARACs to assess the risks faced by victims.

 

The remaining two key aspects of the Domestic Violence Crime and Victims Act 2004 were implemented on 1st July 2007:

  • Section 1 makes the breach of a non-molestation order a criminal offence, punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment on indictment;
  • Section 4 makes couples who have never cohabited or been married eligible for non-molestation and occupation orders, under the Family Law Act 1996.
  • Section 12 Violence Crime and Victims Act 2004 (pending) – The Home Office will make any further announcements on implementation of Section 12. This extends the courts’ powers under the criminal provisions of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997, enabling them to impose restraining orders when sentencing for any offence or on acquittal.

 

CPS future plans/targets

  • A pilot is being carried out to investigate the prosecution of forced marriage and honour-based violence cases. The domestic violence team will also undertake an equality and diversity review of domestic violence prosecutions
  • All prosecutors, caseworkers and designated caseworkers will have been trained by March 2008.
  • A new target of 70% successful prosecutions by April 2008.