Summary
This report focuses on: the implementation of the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004 and related legislation, especially in terms of increased reporting and convictions and whether greater support is being provided for victims; public education and awareness-raising; police powers and legal protections for victims; criminal and civil justice processes, including the Specialist Domestic Violence Court Programme; support for victims, including finance and refuge services; perpetrator programmes; and multi-agency approaches, and what barriers exist to their effective operation.