Family Solicitors

Minister for the Constitution Chris Skidmore has published new proposals that will make the anonymous registration scheme in England and Wales more accessible to those escaping domestic abuse.

The anonymous registration scheme protects people whose safety would be at risk if their name and address appeared in the electoral register this might include victims of harassment or stalking, as well as some witnesses in criminal court cases. The changes would enable survivors of domestic abuse whose identity must be protected to vote, even if their names do not appear on the electoral register.

The current system has come under criticism for lacking the flexibility and understanding of various scenarios which survivors of domestic abuse often find themselves in – including limiting police attestations to police officers at or above the rank of superintendent and restricting social services attestations to directors of social services.

Among the proposed measures announced are plans to update the list of court and other orders acceptable as evidence of the risk to an applicant – and lowering the seniority required for an attestor from the police or social services. The government issued a statement, which reads:

“The minister has been working with domestic abuse charities over the past six months, including Women’s Aid, to explore what could be done to ease the process for one of the most vulnerable groups in society. Women’s Aid estimate that the proposals in the policy statement could help thousands of survivors of domestic abuse.”

Domestic abuse survivor and founder of the Right to Vote campaign, Mehala Osborne, said:

“I was denied a vote whilst living in a refuge and I never realised how much having a vote meant until it was taken away from me. I had already been through enough – and to be disempowered even more was so difficult. I am so proud to have started the campaign that has led to these proposed changes – survivors in the future will not be denied their voice and democratic right to vote.”

Chief Executive of Women’s Aid, Polly Neate, added:

“Domestic abuse must not deny women their right to take part in democracy, so we welcome the changes proposed today on anonymous registration and we thank the government – particularly the Minister Chris Skidmore for decisive action on this. The proposed new measures send out a clear message to all survivors of domestic abuse: that their voices matter and their participation in politics matters.”

Minister for the Constitution Chris Skidmore said:

“This government is committed to removing any barriers that prevent voters from exercising their democratic right – having met survivors of domestic abuse over the past six months, it is clear that the existing system has often let down those affected by domestic abuse. That is why today we are setting out proposals to reform the anonymous registration scheme in England and Wales, to make it more accessible for those escaping domestic abuse – protecting the safety of survivors by making it easier for them to register to vote without their name and address appearing on the electoral register is a key part of that change. We are clear that those who have been constrained by their abusers must have full freedom to express themselves in the democratic process – part of this government’s determination to build a democracy that works for everyone.”

The government is now welcoming feedback on proposals to expand the evidence to include new types of attestor and new types of documentary evidence, along with other measures in the statement. Comments can be made to the Cabinet Office at anonymous-registration@cabinetoffice.gov.uk.

Duncan Lewis Family & Domestic Violence Solicitors

Duncan Lewis Domestic Violence Solicitors can advise victims of domestic abuse on how to tackle the issues within the law, including advising on controlling or coercive behaviour, domestic abuse between partners or spouses or same sex partners, child-parent domestic abuse, elder abuse, domestic abuse between friends or flatmates, and financial abuse.

Duncan Lewis is also able to advise on FGM, forced marriage, honour crimes and dowry disputes – and advises on family law under the laws of England and Wales and Islamic law.

For expert legal advice on tackling domestic abuse, call Duncan Lewis domestic violence solicitors in confidence on 0333 772 0409.

For out-of-hours legal advice on domestic violence, please call the Duncan Lewis Solicitors’ Emergency Helpline on 0333 772 0607, where a family lawyer is available 24/7.