§ 35. Helen JacksonTo ask the Solicitor-General if he will make a statement on the policy adopted by the Crown Prosecution Service to ensure the effective prosecution of incidents of domestic violence. [155713]
§ The Solicitor-GeneralDomestic violence is criminal behaviour. The Crown Prosecution Service regards it as a serious matter and will prosecute wherever it is proper to do so. The CPS recognises that safety, support and information are special priorities for victims of domestic violence and it is in this context that prosecutors will consider the range of prosecution options available.
The CPS is currently reviewing its policy on prosecuting cases of domestic violence to see if any improvements can be made; its policy has been and will continue to be that stopping domestic violence is a priority for our society. The CPS is committed to working with its partners in the criminal justice system to achieve this and has been consulting widely with the public and voluntary sectors as part of the review.