In a push to strengthen protections for domestic abuse survivors, a Member of Parliament in the UK is calling for the creation of a specific domestic violence offense. Liberal Democrat MP Josh Babarinde, who represents Eastbourne, is leading the charge to close legal loopholes that he says have allowed some abusers to gain early release from prison.
A Personal Mission
For Babarinde, the issue of domestic violence is deeply personal. In an exclusive interview with The Guardian, he shared that his own mother was subjected to abuse by a man during his childhood – an ordeal that was hidden from friends and teachers. “I think it’s critical that the experience and trauma of survivors is honoured in the law and reflected in the criminal offence that their abuser is convicted of,” Babarinde said.
The MP, who was first elected in July 2024, pointed to the stigma and secrecy that still shrouds domestic abuse as a key factor in its pervasiveness. “There’s a real stigma around it. And, you know, as a society we need to work on that. One of the reasons that domestic violence, and domestic abuse more generally, thrives is because so much of it happens in the shadows,” he explained.
Closing Loopholes
Currently, while domestic abuse can be an aggravating factor in sentencing, it does not exist as a standalone offense in England and Wales. This gap was thrust into the spotlight in September 2024, when an emergency measure to ease prison overcrowding resulted in the early release of around 1,700 prisoners – including some domestic abusers. In certain cases, victims were not notified in advance that their abuser would be set free.
“There are people who I’ve shared some of my story with who have been surprised, and some of them have said: ‘You know what? This has happened to me and to my family.’ It’s kind of sparked a chain reaction. People don’t talk about it, they know there’s a real taboo. If we name it, we bring it into the open more.”
– Josh Babarinde, MP
Babarinde argues that establishing domestic violence as a specific criminal offense would prevent abusers from being eligible for such early release schemes in the future. It could also aid in offender management and rehabilitation efforts by clearly identifying domestic abuse on a person’s record.
Building Cross-Party Support
The Eastbourne MP says his proposal, outlined in a bill he hopes to attach to other criminal justice legislation, has garnered private support from lawmakers in both the Conservative and Labour parties. A government source told The Guardian that while the broader ideas in Babarinde’s plan will be considered, no action is expected before the conclusion of an ongoing review of sentencing policy, led by former Tory justice secretary David Gauke.
For Babarinde, the effort to tackle domestic violence is driven not only by his family’s experiences, but by his past work as a social entrepreneur helping young offenders and gang members. The 31-year-old, who was awarded an MBE for those efforts, said people are often taken aback when he shares his story – but that it can create a ripple effect of others opening up about their own brushes with domestic abuse.
A Widespread Problem
The push for reform comes amid heightened attention to violence against women following high-profile incidents like the murder of Sarah Everard by a police officer in 2021. Government figures show that almost one in three women aged 16-59 will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime. Charities working with survivors fear the cost of living crisis has only intensified the problem.
- Two women a week are killed by a current or former partner in England and Wales
- Domestic abuse-related crimes account for 1 in 6 crimes reported to police
- Police receive over 100 domestic abuse calls an hour
While Babarinde’s bill faces hurdles in a packed legislative agenda, advocates hope it can maintain momentum for the changes they say are urgently needed. As one survivor told The Guardian: “It’s not about politics or which party you support. It’s about doing what’s right and making sure no one else has to live through what I did. Something has to change.”
Seeking Broader Change
Domestic abuse charities stress that while legal reform is vital, addressing the scourge of domestic violence will require a coordinated effort across society.
“We welcome any steps to better protect survivors and hold abusers accountable, but we can’t prosecute our way out of a cultural problem. This demands all of us challenging outdated attitudes, teaching healthy relationships, and ensuring support is there when people need it.”
– Farah Nazeer, Chief Executive of Women’s Aid
For those in need of support, the organizations below offer free and confidential help:
- UK: National Domestic Abuse Helpline – 0808 2000 247
- US: National Domestic Violence Hotline – 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- Australia: 1800RESPECT – 1800 737 732
As Babarinde’s campaign and the broader movement it represents continue to unfold, many will be watching to see if this marks a true turning point in how society and the law confronts the often hidden epidemic of domestic abuse. For the MP, there is no turning back: “We have to take this seriously as a country. I’ll keep fighting for as long as it takes to make that happen.”
