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At a Glance
Issue Summary
The statement discusses new statutory aggravating factors for murder cases involving domestic contexts, specifically addressing murders connected to the end of a relationship and those involving gratuitous force. Laura Farris discusses sentencing and new clauses related to domestic abuse and honour-based violence.
Action Requested
Clause 24 introduces an additional statutory aggravating factor for murders that occur at the end or perceived end of a relationship. This measure aims to ensure that the seriousness of such crimes is reflected in sentencing. The government also introduced new factors addressing coercive control and overkill, aligning with recommendations from Clare Wade's independent review.
Key Facts
- Around a quarter of all homicides in England and Wales are classified as domestic.
- Clause 24 introduces an aggravating factor for murders connected to the end of a relationship or when one partner intends to leave.
- The perpetrator was male in 100% of cases analyzed by Clare Wade where murder occurred at the end or perceived end of a relationship, and over two thirds involved coercive or controlling behaviour.
- The Government are conducting a murder sentencing consultation open until March.
- Clare Wade’s report was critical of current starting points for certain offences.
- Over 2,500 people were helped by the national honour-based abuse phone helpline run by Karma Nirvana in the past year.
- Section 55(6) of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 removed infidelity as a defence in murder cases.
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