Steve calls for action on domestic violence

Croydon North MP Steve Reed has spoken in Parliament about Croydon Labour’s campaign for a national register of domestic violence offenders. He put down an amendment to the Serious Crime Bill calling on the Government to look at how a register could help warn potential victims of the dangers they face.

Speaking during the debate in Parliament, Steve said: “Croydon’s campaign was set up in light of the case of Paula Newman who was violently murdered by her abusive partner in November 2013 after a relatively short relationship. Neither the local authority nor the police were aware of the fact that her partner had a long history of violent abuse elsewhere. Because there was no national register they were not alerted when he moved into the area and could offer no support to Paula on the risks of entering a relationship with him. Tragically, as a result of that she is now dead.”

Steve’s comments were welcomed by Shadow Minister for Preventing Violence Against Women and Girls, Seema Malhotra MP, who paid tribute to Croydon Labour for starting a much-needed campaign for tougher action against serial domestic abusers.

Steve Reed MP is Shadow Minister for Crime Prevention, and also called for the new legislation to tackle online fraud, child abuse, and to help young people at risk of involvement in violent youth gangs.