IN a bid to improve the lives of those who experience domestic abuse, the government on Wednesday (18) appointed Nicole Jacobs as the country's first domestic abuse commissioner.
Jacobs, who has worked for domestic abuse charities for two decades, will work with councils, police and the NHS to identify victims to domestic abuse and those perpetrating it.
The office of the domestic abuse commissioner will also be tasked with improving the protection and provision of support to those affected by domestic abuse.
Announcing Jacobs' appointment on Wednesday (18), home secretary Priti Patel said: "Domestic abuse is unacceptable, and I am absolutely determined to do all I can to protect victims and their families and ensure perpetrators face tough action."
Jacobs said that she intends "to raise the voices of victims and survivors of all ages, status and background and ensure that we shine a light on practice that fails them."
Instances of domestic abuse is on the rise in the UK. Data obtained by the BBC from 43 police forces across the country showed that 173 people were killed in domestic violence-related homicides last year.
There were 165 domestic killings in 2014, 160 in 2015, 139 in 2016 and 141 in 2017, data, released on Friday (13), showed.
The new data emerged after prime minister Boris Johnson pledged to reintroduce the Domestic Violence Bill in the next Queen's Speech.
Taking to Twitter, Johnson wrote: "Domestic abuse shatters lives and tears families apart. We are fully committed to tackling this horrific crime - which is why the Queen's Speech will confirm we will be reintroducing domestic abuse legislation in the next session."
Speaking to the BBC after her appointment, Jacobs said she was "relieved" that the prime minister has pledged to re-introduce a new law on domestic abuse.
"Everyone was [concerned], and now that we have the commitment we can be a bit relieved," she said of the Bill.
"It was heartening how quickly politicians from all parties were asserting how much they wanted to see the bill in the Queen's Speech and back on track, as well as from the public and people in the court system.
"It is very good for the government to respond and give some assurance, and I know that everyone will be watching and listening to see it in there."
Davindra and Seema Misra, and Vijay and Gita Parekh
Varchas Patel with his father Vipin and mother Jayshriben
Hasmukh Shingadia and his wife Chandrika were all victims of the Horizon scandal
During the hearing, Clifford denied all the charges except for the rape charge, which was added to the indictment at the session. (Photo: Hertfordshire Police /Handout via REUTERS)
Man pleads not guilty to murder of BBC presenter's family
A 26-year-old man has pleaded not guilty to charges of murdering the wife and two daughters of BBC sports commentator John Hunt in a crossbow and knife attack.
Kyle Clifford, who also faces charges of rape, appeared via video link at Cambridge Crown Court on Thursday.
Clifford, arrested in July after a manhunt, is charged with three counts of murder, one count each of rape and false imprisonment, and two counts of possessing offensive weapons – a 10-inch knife and a crossbow.
During the hearing, Clifford denied all the charges except for the rape charge, which was added to the indictment at the session.
He is expected to enter a plea for that charge at a later date.
The victims were Carol Hunt, 61, wife of horseracing commentator John Hunt, and their daughters Louise, 25, and Hannah, 28.
An earlier hearing revealed that Louise had been found tied up and that both she and her sister had been shot with a crossbow, while their mother had been stabbed with a knife.
The fatal attack occurred at the family’s home in Bushey, a commuter town near Watford, northwest of London.
(With inputs from AFP)