The number of domestic violence killings has hit a five-year high, new figures show.
Written by Joe Gammie, The Scotsman
Data obtained by the BBC from 43 police forces across the UK reveal that 173 people died in domestic violence-related homicides last year.
The statistics, reported this morning, show there were 165 domestic killings in 2014, 160 in 2015, 139 in 2016 and 141 in 2017.
The new data emerged after Prime Minister Boris Johnson pledged to reintroduce domestic abuse legislation in the next Queen’s Speech.
Mr Johnson tweeted on Thursday: “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.”
Sir James Munby, former president of the Family Division of the High Court of England and Wales, has called for the Domestic Abuse Bill to be brought back before Parliament.
