Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Bill [HL]
EXPLANATORY NOTES
Explanatory notes to the Bill, prepared by the Home Office, are published
separately as HL Bill 6—EN.
EUROPEAN CONVENTION ON HUMAN RIGHTS
The Baroness Scotland of Asthal has made the following statement under
section 19(1)(a) of the Human Rights Act 1998:
In my view the provisions of the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Bill
are compatible with the Convention rights.
Contents
Part 1
Domestic violence etc
Amendments to Part 4 of the Family Law Act 1996
1
Breach of non-molestation order to be a criminal offence
2
“Cohabitants” in Part 4 of 1996 Act to include same-sex couples
3
Extension of Part 4 of 1996 Act to non-cohabiting couples
Causing or allowing the death of a child or vulnerable adult
4
The offence
5
Evidence and procedure
Domestic homicide reviews
6
Establishment and conduct of reviews
Part 2
Criminal procedure etc
Assault and harassment
7
Common assault to be an arrestable offence
8
Restraining orders
Trial by jury of sample counts only
9
Application by prosecution for certain counts to be tried without a jury
10
Procedure for applications under section 9
11
Effect of order under section 9(2)
12
Rules of court
iv
Part 3
Victims etc
Victims’ code
13
Code of practice for victims
14
Procedure
15
Effect of non-compliance
Parliamentary Commissioner
16
Investigations by Parliamentary Commissioner
Commissioner for Victims and Witnesses
17
18
General functions of Commissioner
19
Advice
20
Restrictions on exercise of functions
21
“Victims” and “witnesses”
22
Authorities within Commissioner’s remit
Information
23
Disclosure of information
Victims’ Advisory Panel
24
Grants
25
Grants for assisting victims, witnesses etc
Part 4
Supplementary
26
Amendments and repeals
27
Transitional and transitory provisions
28
Commencement
29
Orders
30
Extent
31
Short title
Schedule 1 —
Schedule 2 —
Schedule 3 —
Schedule 4 —
Minor and consequential amendments
Schedule 5 —
Repeals