Liz Jarvis MP calls for Minister to recognise that victims of domestic violence and coercive control “deserve better”

Liz Jarvis MP calls for Minister to recognise that victims of domestic violence and coercive control “deserve better”

Liz Jarvis, the Liberal Democrat MP for Eastleigh, put it to the Minister for Women and Equalities today that victims of domestic violence and coercive control deserve better than their current treatment by the justice system.

Ms Jarvis highlighted her constituent Paris Shears’s petition, calling for changes to sentencing rules that currently allow defendants charged with controlling or coercive behaviour to receive a reduced sentence for a late guilty plea.

Ms Shears’s petition has already surpassed 100,000 signatures, meaning it will be debated in Parliament. She launched the petition following her own experience of reliving the trauma of a coercive former partner, who effectively used the courts as a tool to continue his coercive control.

Ms Shears also wants schools to teach pupils of all ages what healthy relationships look like, and how to report problems at home. If she had received education like this, she believes much of her own trauma could have been avoided. 

Commenting, Liz Jarvis MP said:

“This Labour government has made many promises and commitments to tackle violence against women and girls, but we’re still waiting for meaningful action.

“Paris’s petition is calling for a very simple change in the law, which would go some of the way towards making things better for victims of domestic violence and coercive control. I asked the Minister about this issue today to make sure it stays on the agenda, so the government acts now.

“Unfortunately, the Minister only reiterated the government’s existing promises and didn’t really address the point I raised. I hope that the Minister will reflect on this, and that Paris’s petition gets the debate it deserves soon.

“I am incredibly proud of Paris and will continue to campaign alongside her in Parliament.”