Wakefield's call for tougher domestic violence sentencing heard at Westminster

Wakefield Council last month unanimously voted in favour of a motion to urge the government to ensure anyone serving a jail term for domestic abuse is not subject to early release.

The move came after figures showed domestic violence rates across the Wakefield district have continued to rise in recent years

The motion was proposed by councillor Maureen Cummings, the authority’s violence against women girl (VAWG) champion.

She told a full council meeting. “The issue of early release for perpetrators of domestic violence is a topic that strikes at the very core of our values as a society.

“Serious sexual offenders who are not known to their victims are not considered for early release and neither should those who are convicted of serious domestic violence.

“Domestic violence is not merely a crime. It’s a violation of trust. A betrayal of the most intimate and sacred bonds.

“It leaves scars that run deep. Not just on the body but on the minds and souls of survivors.

“It is an unwelcome form of violence that can affect anyone, regardless of gender, age or social position.

“The impact of domestic violence extends beyond the immediate trauma.

“It shatters families, destabilises communities and perpetrates cycles of violence.”

Coun Cummings told the meeting that domestic violence crimes in Wakefield had risen by three per cent in the past two years and repeat offender rates remained at 48.6 per cent – one of the highest in West Yorkshire.

She added: “The justice system has a paramount responsibility to uphold the law and to protect the rights and wellbeing of all citizens.

“When it comes to domestic violence this duty is even more critical.

“The sentences handed down to perpetrators are not just a punishment for their actions, but a statement of the collective condemnation of such heinous behaviour.

“It is a message to survivors that their suffering is acknowledged and that they have the right to justice and to safety.

“Early release of domestic violence perpetrators undermines the very principle.

“It sends a dangerous signal that the severity of the crime is somehow diminished.”

Seconding the motion, councillor Natalie Walton said: “By abuse, we include coercive control, emotional, psychological and financial abuse.

“In this motion we ask for protection regardless of age, ethnic background, sex or gender.

“Abuse can happen in any relationship. Same sex, different sex, friendships, families.”

The motion also calls for the authority to support the work of the Domestic Abuse Commissioner, Women’s Aid and Refuge to ensure that perpetrators of domestic abuse complete their sentence.

The document was taken to London by councillors and students from the city.

This government has since promised action to tackle misogyny and relationship abuse among young people.

The £20m project is expected to include improvements in education on healthy relationships and consent.

A new national helpline will also be launched to support teenagers worried about abusive behaviour in their relationships.

Commenting on the scheme, Jade Botterill, Labour MP for Ossett and Denby Dale, said: “For too long, online misogyny has spread unchecked.

“Parents in our community deserve reassurance that their daughters are safe, which is why I am proud to support the government’s work to tackle violence against women and girls.”