Domestic abuse is a huge issue in every area of the world. Millions of people everywhere have or will suffer from it at some point in their lives. Likewise, millions of people will also become the victims of stalking at some point too. Because of that, government officials and experts in many areas of the world have decided that it’s time to take a stand and help prevent this abuse.
That’s exactly what could be happening in the UK very soon. Their new idea is to name and shame the perpetrators so that everyday people can feel safer. Now, the UK may make domestic abusers and stalkers sign a national register.
Treat Them Just Like Sex Offenders
A cross-party parliamentary report from the UK has recommended that domestic abusers and stalkers be given the exact same treatment that sex offenders are. In the same way, they would need to sign a national register within 72 hours of being convicted. Along with that, they will also need to give the police notice whenever they travel abroad or move into a new home.
These registered offenders would be managed through multi-agency public protection arrangements (Mappa). This is a system which manages the risk imposed by each individual offender living in the community.
The Commons Home Affairs Committee has also backed this report. They believe that this is a hugely serious matter which needs to be introduced “as a matter of urgency.”
Saving Lives
According to the report, the issue of domestic abuse and serial stalking “is a serious crime which can have a devastating impact on the lives of victims.” It also stated that “Victims of stalking often endure years of abuse before the crime is taken seriously.”
The experts behind this report believe we’re currently not doing enough to help this issue. They went on to say that “We were told that existing criminal justice responses were often ineffective in stopping perpetrators.”
Along with that, the Paladin National Stalking Advocacy is also on board with this report. In a written recommendation, they’ve stated that “current police practice is dire and not working.” Furthermore, they’ve also added that “The register will save lives and money.”
A Safer Future
Laura Richards, the founder of Paladin, believes that it’s now time for the government to take action. According to her, “It makes sense that the perpetrators of domestic abuse and stalking should be included in the same framework that is already in place for sex offenders.”
However, the British government has already put forward new measurements. They’ve unveiled their plans to introduce restrictions such as electronic tagging on domestic abusers. Additionally, they also plan to introduce far harsher prison sentences to perpetrators.
In the UK, domestic abuse will affect 1 in 4 women as well as 1 in 6 men. In the US, those figures are 1 in 4 and 1 in 7, respectively. These numbers are vast and shocking. It’s now vital that governments put new restrictions in place for abusers to keep people everywhere safe from them.
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