Dangerous abusers left to attack again as restraining order breach prosecutions plummet

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Alex Davies-Jones, shadow minister for domestic violence, said: “It cannot be right that measures taken to protect women against their violent partners are regularly being violated – and the government must urgently answer questions.” The Independent can also reveal: Data obtained via freedom of information requests shows a 29 per cent fall in the number of breaches of restraining orders where the perpetrator is charged between 2018 and 2023 In 2018, 5,082 cases of restraining orders being breached led to a charge but this number plunged to 3,583 in 2023 The total number of reports of breaches of restraining orders recorded in 2018 was 9,093 – with this dropping to 6,927 by 2023 In 2018, 56 per cent of reports of restraining orders being breached led to a charge but this fell to 52 per cent of reports in 2023 The FOI data from Wiltshire Police revealed that 28 per cent of breaches of restraining orders led to no further action last year Jess Phillips, former shadow minister for domestic violence, called for breaches to be “considered an escalation”. Ms Phillips said restraining orders have become a “checkbox” for the courts and police, adding: “Women with restraining orders – and I have got three against different people – think they are not worth the paper they are written on.” Charlotte Kneer, whose violent partner was jailed for seven years in 2011, said her ex breached his restraining order and wrecked the house they had shared while she was out. Probation officer She added: “A too-high caseload and not enough management oversight could lead to those who breach restraining orders not being properly monitored.” Another junior probation officer said they currently have around 40 highly varied cases they are juggling. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Justice said: “Abusers who breach restraining orders face tough penalties including jail time and we’re going further to support victims by piloting a new domestic abuse protection order which will give courts the power to impose exclusion zones, curfews, and electronic monitoring tags on abusers.” For help or support contact the National Domestic Abuse Helpline, which is open 24/7 365 days per year on 0808 2000 247, or go to its website at nationaldahelpline.org.uk