Peter Prinsley raises question to CPS in Parliament about rates of domestic abuse reporting in rural areas

After a recent visit to Restore WA Peter Prinsley, MP for Bury St Edmunds & Stowmarket, learned of the challenges facing all who suffer from domestic abuse and especially those in our rural communities. 

It is estimated that as few as 20% of domestic abuse cases are reported to the police nationally, on top of this rural victims are half as likely as urban victims to report their abuse, leaving a significant number of rural victims unknown and unheard.

In a recent session of Parliament, whilst praising Restore’s work, Peter raised the question:

“What steps is the CPS taking to ensure that victims in rural communities such as mine are confident to come forward?”

The Solicitor General, Ellie Reeves, responded:

“In the new year, police and CPS will hold a joint knowledge-sharing event on domestic abuse in rural areas, to build improved understanding of the barriers these victims often face.”

The Women’s Aid Federation of England has also responded to the importance of the Domestic Abuse Joint Justice Plan launched by the National Police Chief’s Council and Crown Prosecution Service.

“The DA JJP talks about transforming the culture between Police and the CPS, and while this is important, it overlooks the deep-rooted and problematic cultural issues that these institutions have within themselves. Urgent action needs to be taken to end the culture of sexism and misogyny, that has been proven to exist in policing time and time again, as this is acting as a blockade to women and girls seeking justice.”

“Women’s Aid are pleased to see that the commitments to work with specialist services and organisation have been made throughout the plan and look forward to working with both the Police and CPS to improve the justice outcomes for all survivors of domestic abuse.”

We are also pleased to help bring awareness to this situation and look forward to further work being done to support all those that are affected by domestic abuse.

Peter Prinsley also posted on his Facebook page about the moment:

“Victims of domestic abuse in rural communities are half as likely to report it. I raised this in Parliament after visiting the fantastic team at Restore.

We need every victim to feel safe and supported to come forward – and I welcome the steps being taken to make that happen.”