News / domestic violence
‘The most serious costs of domestic abuse are measured in ruined lives’
Domestic violence destroys lives and shatters families, but it also has a hidden cost to society as a whole, argues Thangam Debbonaire.
The Bristol West MP is urging the Government to invest “significant resources” to help prevent abuse and reduce re-offending.
Referring to research conducted by professor Sylvia Walby, she has spoken out about the knock-on effect of domestic violence on the criminal justice system, healthcare and social services, as well as lost economic output and human and emotional costs.
is needed now More than ever
“Of course, there are other reasons for addressing domestic violence. The most serious costs of abuse are not measured in pounds but in ruined lives, injuries, shattered families and deaths. These effects are not so easily quantified,” says Debbonaire.
“Educating young people about domestic violence, in a compulsory programme of personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education could change abusive attitudes from a young age.
“And programmes to educate perpetrators of domestic violence can reduce the chances of reoffending. Both would pay for themselves many times over.”
The MP has spoken in Parliament ahead of the forthcoming Domestic Abuse Bill, which has prevention as a key aim.
https://www.facebook.com/debbonaire/videos/471093169978528/
She also founded the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Perpetrators of Domestic Violence and Perpetrator Programmes last month, with the aim of raising MPs’ awareness of this work to help feed into policy.
“People who beat their partners and family members are very likely to go on to reoffend,” says Debbonaire. “In many cases, they go back to the same partners or remain abusive in new relationships. Even if they spend time in prison for their crimes, they often return to the same patterns of violent, controlling behaviour.”
She says that specialised perpetrator programmes can change attitudes and behaviour, preventing violence, adding that in order to be successful, they must have the safety and welfare of victims and children at their heart.
Debbonaire adds: “The Domestic Abuse Bill has the real potential to save lives. I will be working with MPs from across all parties to keep up the pressure on the Government to make sure it does.”
Read more: Bristol West MP calls on Prime Minister to reform ‘failing’ drug laws
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
