I move amendment No. 6: In page 4, line 37, to delete “3 years” and substitute “5 years”.
Sentiment score: -0.15
I move amendment No. 7: In page 5, line 3, to delete “3 years” and substitute “5 years”.
Sentiment score: -0.15
I move amendment No. 8: In page 5, between lines 6 and 7, to insert the following: “(9A) Notwithstanding subsection (9), the court may, in making an order under subsection (2), specify that a longer period shall apply before an application for removal may be made, having regard to— (a) the nature and seriousness of the offence, and (b) the need to protect the safety and wellbeing of the victim and, where relevant, any children or dependents.”.
Sentiment score: -0.03
I move amendment No. 9: In page 5, between lines 21 and 22, to insert the following: “(ai) section 2, where the offence is committed against a spouse, civil partner, cohabitant or person in an intimate relationship;”.
Sentiment score: -0.16
I move amendment No. 10: In page 5, line 31, after “section 2” to insert “or section 3”.
Sentiment score: -0.15
I move amendment No. 12: In page 5, between lines 32 and 33, to insert the following: “(j) an offence under section 33 of the Domestic Violence Act 2018.”.
Sentiment score: -0.52
I move amendment No. 15: In page 6, between lines 9 and 10, to insert the following: “(14) The Courts Service shall ensure that, when the Register is made available to the public— (a) a statement is included to the effect that the absence of a person’s name from the Register does not indicate that such person does not pose a risk or has not previously engaged in domestic violence or abuse, and (b) information is provided directing users to appropriate support services, including national and local domestic violence support services.”.”. This is to ensure that the register is accompanied by clear safeguards to ensure, as has been discussed by a number of Members from across the House, that those who consult the register do not consider absence from the register as meaning an absence of risk. It is also to ensure that the register does not have the effect of giving people who may be at risk a false sense of safety. It is safe to assume that most people who are consulting this register will have a concern for their well-being or somebody else's. Regardless of whether this amendment becomes standard practice or not, I hope it will be a standard practice that when the register is consulted, clear guidance toward support services will be provided. We have a lot of organisations that do incredible work with victims of domestic violence. They are overwhelmed and need more resources, but they want to help people who need help. In some instances, the number of people who do not know the level of support available to them is phenomenal. This would be an appropriate avenue to which to direct people who might benefit from such support services.
Sentiment score: 0.25
I welcome that statement from the Minister and on that basis I will withdraw the amendment.
Sentiment score: 0.46
I move amendment No. 16: In page 6, between lines 9 and 10, to insert the following: “(14) In deciding whether to make an order under subsection (2), the court shall have regard to— (a) the safety and wellbeing of the victim, including any risk of intimidation, retaliation or further harm, and (b) the safety and welfare of any children or dependents connected to the victim or the convicted person.”.”. Again, this is just to insert subsection (14) in page 6. It provides that in deciding whether to make an order under subsection (2), the court shall have regard to the safety and well-being of the victim, including any risk of intimidation, retaliation or further harm, as well as the safety and welfare of any children or dependants connected to the victim or the convicted person. The amendment simply seeks to place victim safety at the heart of the court's decision-making, requiring consideration of any risk of intimidation or further harm, as well as the welfare of the affected children and dependants to be at the heart of it. It is certainly at the heart of the rationale for this legislation. I just want to suggest that it be included.
Sentiment score: -0.28
Hear, hear.
Sentiment score: 0.00