Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill (awaiting Royal assent) will now include new measures targeted directly at keeping women and girls safe.
Under the changes, victims of domestic abuse will be allowed more time to report incidents of common assault or battery against them. Currently, prosecutions must commence within six months of the offence.
Instead, this requirement will be moved to six months from the date the incident is formally reported to the police – with an overall time limit of two years from the offence to bring a prosecution. Domestic abuse is often reported late relative to other crimes; so this will ensure victims have enough time to seek justice and that perpetrators answer for their actions.
Read more: Domestic abuse victims in England and Wales to be given more time to report assaults – GOV.UK
