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Abstract

This dissertation explores the role of the UK criminal justice system (CJS) in the protection of women against domestic abuse. This includes specifically investigating the police force, probation service, and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) as important sectors of the CJS that regularly work with victims of domestic abuse. Evidence suggests that domestic abuse is a significant problem in the UK which largely affects women, therefore it is an important topic for feminist research. Particularly for radical feminists as they believe that the root cause of all social relations, inequality, and violence against women is male privilege and power (DeKeseredy, 2011). This is supported by the presence of harmful gender stereotypes and misogyny within the CJS which has negatively impacted the protection of women against domestic abuse.
A literature review was conducted using both qualitative and quantitative secondary data to evaluate whether the current legislations, methods, and responses towards domestic abuse within the CJS are effective at protecting women. The review found that despite improvements to policies over the years, the CJS is consistently making the same mistakes that are placing women at more risk of abuse. For example, most police forces are failing to provide adequate services to victims, high attrition rates have led to a decrease in domestic abuse prosecutions and convictions, and the probation service is failing to thoroughly supervise and encourage violent offenders to develop healthy attitudes towards relationships. These failings are emphasised further by a lack of communication between CJS agencies which is diminishing the protection of women. Finally, the review also highlighted that internal work is necessary to confront the misogynistic views within the CJS. Ultimately, it was concluded that the CJS is not doing enough to tackle domestic abuse in the UK and needs to make urgent improvements to its response and protection of women.

Course: Criminology and Forensic Studies - BSc (Hons) - C2039F

Date Deposited: 2024-11-20

URI/permalink: https://library.port.ac.uk/dissert/dis14538.html