Killers who commit homicide against their partners or former partners will now face an additional 10 years in prison due to the closure of an “outdated and misogynistic” sentencing loophole.
Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy has confirmed that domestic killers will receive a minimum of 25 years in prison, replacing criticized sentencing laws that previously differentiated between homicides committed inside and outside the home.
This change, set to be officially announced, comes after a long campaign led by three grieving mothers whose daughters were tragically murdered by their violent ex-partners at home. Carole Gould, Julie Devey, and Elaine Newborough expressed their relief, stating that this revision signifies a recognition of the equal value of women’s lives to men’s.
Under the current regulations, most domestic murders start with a 15-year minimum sentence when they occur within the home. However, cases involving the use of a weapon at the crime scene mandate a minimum sentence of 25 years.
Advocates have persistently called for the elimination of this sentencing gap. David Lammy, also serving as the Justice Secretary, emphasized the historical failure of the law to protect women from domestic violence, stressing the need to address these injustices.
The three mothers, who founded the advocacy group Killed Women to seek justice for their daughters, have been instrumental in pushing for this change. They highlighted the disparity in sentencing for domestic murders, especially when the murder weapon is already present at the scene.
In a joint statement, the mothers expressed gratitude towards David Lammy for taking action after years of campaigning. They also shared their ongoing efforts to raise awareness about the dangers posed by individuals who commit such heinous acts of violence.
Additionally, the Domestic Abuse Commissioner, Dame Nicole Jacobs, praised the revision in sentencing laws, acknowledging the persistent efforts of bereaved families in seeking justice for their loved ones. However, she highlighted the need for fairness in sentencing across all domestic homicides, urging comprehensive measures to address the issue of domestic abuse and gender-based violence effectively.