Save the ‘go orders’ and protect victims of domestic abuse

By Tom King

An article in yesterday’s Independent says that Home Secretary, Theresa May, plans to scrap a scheme which protects women from domestic abuse by removing their violent partner. The scrapping of the so-called ‘go orders’ is part of a cuts package of £2.5bn from the Home Office budget.

Therefore, you might expect these orders to be hugely expensive and poor value for money. However, a Home Affairs Select Committee report recommends ‘go orders’ as an “inexpensive” measure in protecting victims of domestic abuse and says similar schemes “have proved effective in other European countries”. So when a Home Office spokesperson says that the decision was made because they are “considering…options for delivering improved protection and value for money” it is clear May should be backing, not scrapping, the scheme.

The scrapping of ‘go orders’ is clearly reprehensible, more so because less than a month ago, in addressing the Women’s Aid National Conference, Theresa May said, “”Let me make clear: my ambition is nothing less than ending violence against women and girls”. She also said that achieving an end to domestic abuse “was a priority for me in opposition and it is a priority for me now I am in government. So have no fear – have no doubt – that your cause is my cause.” This decision certainly casts doubts upon that assertion and gives plenty of cause for fear.

I believe that however much it costs we should be standing up for all victims of crime, especially victims of domestic abuse. Saving money is nothing compared to saving lives. That’s why I’m launching a campaign to save the ‘go orders’ and protect the 1 in 4 women who will be a victim of abuse from their partner. Continue with this cut and the ambition to end domestic abuse takes a knock. In real terms, women will continue to take the knocks, 300,000 a year will continue to be sexually assaulted and 60,000 raped, unless we step in protect them.

You can back ‘go orders’ and help protect victims of domestic abuse by clicking here.