Domestic abuse reporting

Proposed changes to the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill will afford domestic abuse victims more time to report incidents of common assault or battery. Currently, prosecutions must commence within six months of the offence. However, this requirement will be moved to six months from the date the incident is formally reported to police – with an overall time limit of two years from the offence to bring a prosecution. Domestic abuse is often reported late relative to other crimes; it is hoped the change will help more victims secure justice.