Double Standard:
Ending the unjust criminalisation of victims of violence against women and girls

This report sets out evidence of the unjust criminalisation of victims of VAWG in England and Wales for alleged offending resulting from their experience of abuse, and the reforms in law and practice that are needed to address this. It draws on our briefings to parliamentarians debating the Domestic Abuse Bill and our submissions to the government’s recent consultations on domestic abuse and other forms of VAWG. It includes new qualitative research and legal analysis and draws out the wider learning from CWJ’s recent report on the state response to women who kill their abuser. Relevant case examples are included, taken from CWJ’s own caseload and other sources. The report is primarily focused on women, but we seek to draw out learning relating to girls where possible, and many of the issues faced are common to both. We conclude with detailed recommendations for reform.

The report author, Katy Swaine-Williams, wrote a blog about the findings here - https://www.russellwebster.com/end-the-unjust-criminalization-of-female-victims-of-violence/