Harman warns courts on domestic violence
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Courts are to be warned by the Government to stop giving lighter sentences to black and Asian men who beat up their wives and girlfriends because domestic violence is seen as "acceptable" in their communities.
Courts are to be warned by the Government to stop giving lighter sentences to black and Asian men who beat up their wives and girlfriends because domestic violence is seen as "acceptable" in their communities.
Harriet Harman, the Solicitor General, will order magistrates and judges to punish Asian and black men as firmly as white men. In a speech to be delivered to Southwark Race Equality Council next week, she warns the courts not to "reinforce the notion that domestic violence is acceptable in some communities. It is not." Cases not dealt with firmly enough will be referred to the Court of Appeal for tougher sentencing.
MPs have expressed concern that some women from ethnic minority backgrounds are tolerating regular abuse but are afraid to report it to the authorities. The Solicitor General will tell the police they must not be wary of pressing charges against men from Asian or black backgrounds. "Cultural sensitivity" should be reserved for the victim but not the perpetrator, she told The Independent.
"Often, perpetrators will, after being found guilty, argue for a lesser sentence on the basis there is an acceptance of domestic violence in that community or that violence was in response to the wife's behaviour bringing shame on her husband, family or community," the minister says. "Such arguments in mitigation must be firmly rejected."
The Solicitor General has already referred to the Court of Appeal the case of an Asian woman from East Africa who was assaulted by a relative, and his sentence was increased from five to 10 years. The intervention follows the introduction of a Bill on domestic violence, introducing tougher penalties, which becomes law later this year.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments