Behind Closed Doors: An insight into Domestic Abuse
The BBC One have now aired their documentary “Behind Closed Doors” which examined how domestic abuse crimes are investigated and how the victims of such abuse are supported. Shot over a course of a year, the documentary offered a rare insight into the most common violent crime to take place in the home.
The documentary followed three women, Jemma, Sabrina and Helen, who took the decision to waive their rights to anonymity to show what happens from the 999 call right up to Court. Sabrina, a victim who endured five hours of constant beating by her partner before secretly dialling 999 in the hope that the police/ambulance service would hear her cries. Despite being charged with Actual Bodily Harm and the offence being described by the Crown Prosecutor as one of the worst cases of ABH she had seen, the offender was given just two years in jail, half of which he is likely to serve. Speaking of her experience of the police and justice system, Sabrina said they (the justice system) “don’t understand, because by the time you get to court, the bruises have gone, and if [the defendant] pleads guilty, the Judge doesn’t have to listen to me explaining what i went through for years.”
The documentary further found that multiple breaches of restraining orders and a previous history of domestic abuse appear to have limited effect on the severity of penalties handed down. We must not forget, on average, two women are killed every single week in England and Wales by a current or former partner. The way in which previous offences and convictions are linked, however, is unclear due to the Ministry of Justice failing to define violent crime within intimate relationships as different from say, an attack on a stranger.
Last night’s documentary, was undoubtedly difficult to watch at times but hopefully, raised awareness for sufferers of domestic abuse that abuse is not something they need to endure. It is hoped that the documentary will also further highlight the need for a robust justice system to ensure previous perpetrators of domestic abuse are put to justice.
At Ramsdens, we regularly see the horrific impact of domestic violence on victims, both women and men. Domestic abuse takes varying forms, whether physical violence or emotional and controlling behaviours. Whatever form of abuse - it is simply not acceptable. Victims can and should however know that support is available for them.
? In an emergency always dial 999
? We can obtain emergency, ex-parte (without-notice) non-molestation and occupation orders, preventing the perpetrator from contacting the victim, breach of which is a criminal offence.
? 24-hour support is available at charities such a Women’s Aid.
No victim should ever suffer in silence and domestic abuse is never OK. Contact our family team on 0800 147720, email [email protected] or text LAW to 67777 to arrange a free thirty minute appointment in any of our twelve offices across West Yorkshire.