I welcome the introduction of a new law by the government designed to better protect victims of domestic abuse. Under this legislation, offenders convicted of controlling or coercive behaviour and sentenced to 12 months or longer will now be automatically managed under multi-agency public protection arrangements (MAPPA).
This crucial change means that agencies are legally required to cooperate in managing the risks posed by these serious offenders, recognising the significant harm that such behaviour can inflict.
For the first time, this law puts controlling or coercive behaviour on a par with other serious domestic abuse offences. Evidence shows that offenders managed under MAPPA have a reoffending rate that is less than half the national average.
With this expansion, even more domestic abusers will be subject to rigorous monitoring, ensuring agencies share information about potential risks to former partners and the public. This move is part of the Government’s broader Plan for Change, aimed at reclaiming our streets by protecting people, especially women and girls from harassment, aggression, and violence.
The law change will apply to all offenders who are sentenced to at least 12 months’ imprisonment, including suspended sentences, or given a hospital order for an offence of controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate or family relationship.
It was introduced by the Victims and Prisoners Act 2024 and was signed into law after Justice Minister Lord Timpson signed a statutory instrument early this year.
Previously, those convicted of controlling or coercive behaviour could be actively managed under multi-agency arrangements on a discretionary basis only.
This measure will put beyond doubt the legal requirement for agencies to work together to assess and manage the risks posed by this group of offenders.
This announcement builds on measures already set out by the Government as part of our mission to halve violence against women and girls. This includes launching new Domestic Abuse Protection Orders in select areas to ensure victims of all types of domestic abuse including coercive control, stalking, and violence can seek protection and more abusers face harsher restrictions.