remain free to use whatever definition they wish for local record keeping. The definition reads: The term domestic violence shall be understood to mean any violence between current or former partners in an intimate relationship, wherever and whatever it occurs. The violence may include physical, sexual, emotional or financial abuse This at least widens the goalposts when dealing with domestic abuse as before the police were reluctant to get involved within domestic disputes. Before, domestic violence was seen as a crime less worthy than others assaults. In July 1990, guidance was issued to the police in England, Wales and Scotland (1991 Northern Ireland) for dealing with incidents of domestic violence. The guidance emphasized: The over riding duty to protect victims and children from serious attack; The need to treat domestic violence as seriously as other forms of violence; The use and value of power of arrest; The dangers of seeking reconciliation between assailant and victim; And the importance of record keeping to monitor the policy in practice With more effort being made on the side of the police with the set up of more Domestic Violence Units within stations, some headway is being made in protecting women and their children. The DVU officers are there to put women at ease, giving support and advice and helping them get in touch with relevant outside agencies. The DVU practices and procedures are examined within forces by Her Majestys Inspectorate of Constabulary. Where there are instances of poor practice, recommendations are made. In the Home Offices study in 1995 it particularly commended the work carried out by the Domestic Violence Units and its officers. They may not be able to protect women from the crime of violence but they are there to listen and advise after the event. (Grace 1995) The Crown Prosecution Service was responsible for a review on criminal proceedings in England and Wales in 1993. With this was published a...
