A domestic abuse charity in Suffolk calls for a domestic abuse register in England
In Scotland, ministers are progressing plans for a new domestic abuse register, a system similar to the sex offenders register
A domestic abuse charity in Suffolk calls for a domestic abuse register in England saying, “It can only be a positive thing."
In Scotland, ministers are progressing plans for a new domestic abuse register – a system similar to the sex offenders register, which would monitor individuals with a known history of domestic violence. The aim is to increase protections for potential victims by requiring perpetrators to report changes in their circumstances, such as starting a new relationship or moving house. While full details are still being developed, the move marks a significant shift in how domestic abuse is managed and prevented – and campaigners in England are watching closely.
A domestic abuse register could be a powerful tool to help manage known offenders and keep people safe, that’s according to Rhys Lloyd, Communications Officer for Leeway, as Scotland moves ahead with plans to introduce one.
Speaking to us about the proposals, Rhys said:
“I think a domestic abuse register is a really positive introduction. I think it obviously helps us to manage known perpetrators effectively and ultimately keep people safe, which should be the number one priority.”
"Perpetrators need to be known to police"
But he warned the system would need to be implemented carefully, as many perpetrators are never formally reported.
“There’s probably quite a few question marks about how that will be managed and implemented... This relies on perpetrators being known to the police, whereas we know that actually quite a lot of domestic abuse instances aren’t reported.”
Leeway, which supports survivors across the region, often works with people who haven’t reported to police but have instead turned to specialist organisations. Rhys believes any register must be part of a wider effort to build trust in the system:
“Something like a domestic abuse register will increase confidence because it shows that it is an issue that is being taken seriously. And ultimately, there's going to be better protections for survivors as well, which can only be a positive thing.”
Possible issues
One of the biggest hurdles victims face is the criminal justice process itself, and Rhys says long court delays and low conviction rates can put people off, from coming forward.
“We know that the conviction rate for domestic abuse is really low... It’s quite a daunting process. They don’t want to have to relive that trauma; they want to close that chapter of their life and move on.”
He added:
“If their case is taking years to be heard... they think ‘it’s not being taken seriously, I’m not going to bother.’ But we need people to have that faith because that’s what then encourages more people to come forward.”
When asked how a register might work in practice, Rhys suggested it could include rules like reporting a change of address or partner, which could then trigger a disclosure under Clare’s Law.
“I imagine it would probably include certain conditions where they have to notify the police... that could then present an opportunity for the police to intervene and give a Clare’s Law disclosure.”
Finally, Rhys emphasised the need for joined-up work between police, courts, and specialist services, and a clear national message:
“We want to send out that clear message that domestic abuse and all forms of violence against women and girls aren’t tolerated. That starts with tough preventative measures, but also ensuring there is a support network in place for those people when they do come forward.”