How are UK Police & CPS Working to Tackle Domestic Abuse?

Domestic abuse (DA) remains a pressing issue within British South Asian communities and across the UK. One in five adults experience DA at some point.

Research shows that one in four women will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime.

In turn, one in six to seven men will be victims of DA in their lives.

The economic cost is staggering, with domestic violence (DV) estimated to cost the UK around £85 billion annually.

Police receive a domestic abuse-related call every 30 seconds. Yet it is estimated that less than 24% of domestic abuse crimes are reported to the police.

Moreover, in January 2024, the Domestic Abuse Commissioner for England and Wales, Dame Nicole Jacobs, reported:

“The current picture is stark, where just 6% of police-recorded domestic abuse reaches conviction, and only a fifth of victims have the confidence to report in the first place.”

Reporting is only the beginning of a survivor’s ordeal. Many can face further trauma navigating the criminal justice system (CJS) and the procedures involved.

To address this, the police and Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) launched a joint justice plan. The aim is to improve justice for those facing domestic abuse.

DESIblitz looks at what the plan aims to do and why it matters for the British South Asian community.

The Joint Plan for Justice

The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) and the CPS have introduced the Domestic Abuse Joint Justice Plan (DA JJP).

The plan was launched on November 12, 2024, across all police forces and CPS areas in England and Wales.

The CPS and NPCC stated:

“Domestic abuse represents a third of all crime received by the CPS and 13% of casework.

“We know that many victims do not report these crimes to police or seek a criminal sanction, potentially leaving them exposed to ongoing cycles of abuse.

“Therefore, when they do, it is important we respond appropriately.”

The initiative aims to transform victim support, enhance collaboration, and improve prosecution outcomes. It also aims to engage specialist organisations for a more comprehensive approach.

Key Components of the Plan:

• Pilot the introduction of police and CPS “case conversations”. Assessing their impact on decisions, protective order applications, “victim satisfaction and charging and conviction outcomes”.
• Improving the timeliness of investigations and the efficiency of charging decisions.
• Improved culture and communications between police and CPS.
• “Develop a shared definition of high-risk, high-harm repeat offending”.
• Create a “cross-agency flagging system to identify offenders who present the greatest threat”.
• Provide victims with clear and consistent information on CJS processes and what protective measures may be available so they are “better empowered and protected”.
• Enhancing training for police and prosecutors on perpetrator behaviour and trauma-informed approaches.
• A local delivery toolkit to support delivery and provide direction.
• Improving tracking of case outcomes to identify areas needing reform.

Baljit Ubhey, CPS Director of Strategy and Policy, stressed:

“The Domestic Abuse Joint Justice Plan is about getting it right first time by bringing the expertise from both police and prosecutors to better recognise behaviour-driven offending, and progress cases through the system to get justice for victims.

“It is about creating cultural change, working towards our shared goal of getting the right outcome for victims through a stronger, more coordinated approach.

“Getting cases through the system quicker is vital to breaking the cycle of abuse and safeguard victims.

“And whilst there may be complex cases that take longer, we have seen that when we work together to build robust cases, a charge is authorised within one day.”

There is a focus on taking a “victim-centred” approach to further protect victims, build confidence in the justice system, prevent re-traumatisation and increase convictions.

Domestic Abuse and British Asian Communities

Domestic abuse affects all, including British South Asian communities, who are a significant part of the British population.

Individuals who experience domestic abuse can face acute barriers to reporting and seeking justice.

A study by Sultana et al. (2024) stressed that research shows:

“Various risk factors, such as cultural stigma, fear of social ostracisation, and a lack of awareness about available resources, also discourage South Asian women experiencing DV from seeking formal help.”

Instead, the researchers asserted that women may rely on informal support networks like family and friends.

Moreover, language barriers and immigration concerns can prevent some from reporting abuse.

In turn, a limited understanding of domestic abuse and what it can entail can also be a barrier, as can mistrust of the justice system.

Razia* told DESIblitz:

“A few years ago, when it happened to me, I didn’t see the point in going to the cops.”

“Years ago, a friend called them, and they took her husband; he spent one night in a cell and was released since she had no visible bruises.

“Why call when it means family drama, neighbours whispering, and that’s all that happens, is what I thought first.

“And for a long time, I didn’t realise the emotional abuse was criminal. Thought only the physical was and didn’t know the law saw bad from in-laws as abuse as well.

“I only called when it got worse from my husband and in-laws. I wish I had called earlier even though I didn’t trust the process; having it on record matters.”

Razia’s story underscores the need to build trust and ensure people are educated about the law.

The joint plan aims to bridge gaps and heighten victims’ trust in the justice system.

However, its success will depend on practical implementation and sustained commitment. Including strengthening partnerships with organisations that can provide culturally nuanced support and knowledge.

The Need for Culturally Nuanced Support & Awareness

The plan recognises the need to work with “specialist organisations” to improve matters and processes for domestic abuse victims.

Moreover, the plan asserts collaboration is needed for two reasons. Firstly, “to better understand the needs and requirements of specific groups of victims” and “embed this in learning and processes”.

To ensure the plan’s effectiveness across and within different groups, the CPS and police must understand cultural nuances.

In addition to partnering with specialist organisations that can provide support, help train law enforcement and build trust.

Ritu Sharma told DESIblitz that when she first experienced domestic abuse, she struggled to understand and define it. There was no mirror phrase for domestic abuse in her first language, Punjabi.

The Rotherham-based charity Apna Haq supports women and girls from ethnic minority groups. It runs courses that provide them with the “language” to discuss the abuse they have suffered or witnessed.

Ritu stressed the taboo about speaking out and reporting remains:

“People continue not to speak up, one for fear of judgement; even now, socially, the Asian community and others are neither open or equipped to deal with it as a community.

“There is a lack of education around it, and there is loads of victim shaming; this needs to be combated.”

Ritu’s personal experiences and challenges inspired her work. She is the CEO and founder of Kausalya UK CIC, which supports and advocates for victims of domestic abuse. Ritu stated:

“I think the police should continue to update their training to meet the needs of South Asian communities, especially around cultural understanding and sensitivity.

“I really do not think that most South Asian women would feel comfortable approaching the police.”

Ritu stressed there is a need for more robust well-being support for domestic abuse victims and survivors.

Referrals from police and CPS to specialist organisations must be streamlined and more timely.

Furthermore, men as domestic abuse victims and survivors cannot be forgotten.

Ritu asserted that more needs to be done to raise awareness and foster an environment where men are comfortable reporting and seeking help.

Male victims can be forgotten in mainstream media, communities and popular discourse.

This is in part due to ideas around masculinity and the gendering of the word perpetrators in the popular imagination as male. There needs to be a focus on addressing the impact of this within the CJS.

The DA joint plan aims to provide a more victim-centred approach, improving responses, prosecution outcomes, and victim support.

The initiative has the potential to impact British South Asian communities positively.

However, its success hinges on culturally aware practices, strengthening partnerships with specialist organisations and building trust.

The CJS and government must address barriers like stigma, distrust, language, and misconceptions. They also need to create a robust support framework for victims and survivors, one that integrates the expertise of specialist third-sector organisations.

Both will be crucial to ensure people feel confident in seeking help and reporting.