Victims of crimes like domestic abuse and sexual assault will be better protected following arrests of perpetrators under new provisions collectively known as ‘Kay’s Law’.
The reforms will mean police have a duty to take into account the views of victims before releasing someone on bail. Police will be encouraged to use pre-charge bail instead of releasing suspects under investigation, where it is necessary and proportionate.
Kay’s Law, named after a victim of domestic violence, is one of many measures the government has taken to support victims, bring perpetrators to justice and protect women and girls across the country. This includes the ‘ENOUGH’ campaign to tackle violence against women and girls, the second phase of which has launched today (25 October).
The campaign aims to provide bystanders with a range of safe ways to intervene if they witness an incident of violence against women and girls, ranging from sexual harassment on the street, public transport or at work, to unwanted touching, sharing intimate images of someone without their consent and coercive control in a relationship.
‘Kay’s Law’ is named after Kay Richardson, who was tragically murdered by her estranged husband after he was released under investigation, following his arrest for sexual offences against Kay. In 2019, the government launched a review of pre-charge bail legislation which led to the reforms being implemented this week, including the new duty which aims to provide better protection for victims like Kay. The measures were introduced as part of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act.
Following the publication of the government’s Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy in 2021, the government launched the ‘ENOUGH’ campaign in March 2022.
The second phase of the campaign includes television adverts, billboards, social media and radio advertising which highlight different forms of violence against women and girls and the simple acts that anyone can take to challenge perpetrators of abuse.
Farah Nazeer, Chief Executive of Women’s Aid said:
We were pleased to help support the development of the Home Office’s Enough campaign, to raise awareness of violence against women and girls and encourage people to stop everyday abuse and harassment. Everyone has a role to play in ending violence against women – whether it takes place in the home or in public – and we must all step up and play our part. By changing public attitudes and challenging everyday misogyny and sexism, we can all help to make society a safer place for women and girls.
Through the campaign, the department is working with organisations involved in the night time economy and fitness industry, like gyms, as these are places where violence against women and girls can often occur.
The violence against women and girls Enough campaign has information and examples of how to intervene safely if you witness violence against women and girls. It also provides information on support services, how to report violence to the police and offers guidance for individuals worried about their own behaviour.
Over the coming weeks, the website will include a dedicated page for teachers with educational materials for use in schools on violence against women and girls.
The campaign has been developed with an advisory group of over 40 voluntary sector organisations, survivors and academics who have given their expert insight.
Part of a longer press release at https://www.gov.uk/government/news/better-protection-for-victims-under-pre-charge-bail-reforms
See also: http://www.womensgrid.org.uk/?p=20616
HERitage stall this Saturday 29th January at St Cuthbert's hall, Amble. Come along, see you there