Nicola Groves

This article examines the extent to which the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004 responds to the needs of a number of women experiencing violence in the East Midlands. We seek not to evaluate the Act, but rather to offer an informed analysis of its relevance in light of our research findings. The research itself was a 'snapshot' study, conducted in April 2005, of 18 domestic violence 'crisis' services across five counties in the East Midlands. Through those services, a questionnaire was administered to crisis service-users and a total of 93 questionnaire responses received. The questionnaire sought to explore women's experience of violence and the help-seeking process in which they engaged. Whilst we did not directly seek the respondent's views on the 2004 Act, our findings offer rich data on which to reflect when considering the potential of this new legislation. We evaluate some of the main provisions of the Domestic Violence Crime and Victims Act 2004 and, in the light of feminist concerns, we frame our discussion around the question: 'Is the Domestic Violence Crime and Victims Act 2004 relevant to the needs of domestic violence survivors?' We note that an understanding of the interconnected and multiple experiences of survivors is central to the development of effective legislation. We also argue for the relevance of domestic violence related suicide and attempted suicide, to a full understanding of the needs of survivors.

© 2014 Nicola Groves and Terry Thomas. Domestic Violence and Criminal Justice examines the phenomenon of domestic violence, the various forms it takes and the theories that have been put forward to explain it. It takes an historical approach to examine policy and legislative developments over the last forty years and how those developments make themselves manifest today. The authors provide an authoritative and critical account of the different agencies and the work they carry out both independently and jointly; they also consider the limits of a crime centred response to domestic violence. This book aims to provide an up-to-date and comprehensive introduction to the subject of domestic violence and its interaction with the criminal justice system- including agencies such as the police, the Crown Prosecution Service, the probation service and Children’s Services, the courts and the prison service, as well as voluntary agencies such as Women’s Aid. The book also looks at how these various agencies work together at a local level and the coordinating role of the Home Office and the direction provided at a central level. The book provides a conceptual framework in which domestic violence and criminal justice might be better understood. It covers all the current issues in this field and it will be a ‘source book’ in directing readers to further reading. It will be essential reading for both students and practitioners in the field.