Could giving domestic abuse victims anonymity prompt more to come forward?

Campaigners argue that revealing victims' details in the media profoundly undermines both their privacy and safety, but, Maya Oppenheim asks, could granting anonymity encourage more to seek help?

While survivors of sexual violence are granted lifelong press anonymity from the moment the allegations is made, victims of domestic abuse are not presently given the same protection (Getty)

Campaigners have called for domestic abuse victims to be granted the right to anonymity in the media - but questions remain over whether such a move would lead to more survivors coming forward to report violence.

While sexual violence victims are granted lifelong press anonymity from the moment the allegations are made, victims of domestic abuse are not presently given the same protection. Instead, the survivor’s name and personal details about the abuse they were subjected to can be legally reported in the press.

Charities say this puts victims off coming forward to report abuse and also leaves at risk of further abuse from the perpetrator, or friends and relatives of their abuser.

Jo Gough, chief executive of RISE, a domestic abuse charity which has just launched a campaign for the law around anonymity to be revised, told The Independent the current situation profoundly undermines both the privacy and safety of victims.

She added: “If you feel your anonymity is going to be breached, it is less likely you are going to look at ways to leave the relationship. We work to help people fleeing abuse to leave safely. But if you know you are going to be exposed in the press, potentially harassed, and put into a vulnerable position after reporting abuse then you are less likely to pursue legal protections.”

Changing the law on anonymity would encourage more people to take both criminal and civil action safely, Ms Gough added.

The campaigner noted women who manage to flee their perpetrators are at the highest risk of violence in the first year of escaping which often takes place at the same time as their case goes to court.

Some 55 per cent of the women murdered by their ex in 2017 were killed within the first month of separation and 87 per cent in the first year.

Nicki Norman, acting chief executive of lead national domestic abuse charity, Women’s Aid, said: “Survivors of domestic abuse face continued barriers to safety and justice after escaping an abuser. Abuse does not end when the relationship ends and women can be at significant risk of harm from the perpetrator and their family and friends.

“Anonymity in court proceedings is essential to ensure that this threat is not increased further by survivors’ names and personal information being named in the media.”