East Derry MLA calls for review of sentences for domestic violence offences

SDLP East Derry MLA Cara Hunter has called for a review of sentences handed down for serious domestic violence offences.

She was speaking after a number of high-profile recent cases, with some perpetrators escaping jail.

Ms Hunter said the review could form part of the Executive’s work on tackling violence against women and girls.

East Derry MLA Ms Hunter said: “There is a real sense of anger and concern at some of the sentences handed down for those found guilty of domestic violence of their partner in recent times. We have seen cases where people have been subjected to shocking levels of physical and mental abuse which has had a harrowing impact on their lives, only for the person responsible to receive a light sentence or escape jail altogether.

“This flies in the face of everything we are regularly told about the determination to tackle violence against women and girls. The Executive’s own strategic framework acknowledges that sentencing is an issue when it comes to confidence in the justice system, but falls short of a commitment to address it.

“Of course, judges must incentivise rehabilitation, but what message does it send when appalling acts of violence which even defence lawyers admit meet the threshold for custody are walking free from court. This will actually discourage people from coming forward because they don’t believe they will receive any real justice or the person responsible will face any significant punishment. We have even heard judges express the desire to hand down harsher sentences but been bound by the existing guidelines. This does not recognise the seriousness of the crisis we are facing when it comes to violence against women and girls.

“I am directly calling on the Justice Minister to initiative a review of sentencing guidelines for those convicted of domestic violence offences. We need to send a clear message that anyone found guilty of such crimes will face significant jail time and work with our judiciary to ensure that this is delivered. This will send a clear message to our society that domestic violence will not be tolerated and that anyone who commits this heinous crime will face the consequences.”