Blackstone's Guide to the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004

The Blackstone's Guide Series delivers concise and accessible books covering the latest legislative changes and amendments. Published within weeks of the Act, they offer expert commentary by leading names on the effects, extent and scope of the legislation, plus a full copy of the Act itself. They offer a cost-effective solution to key information needs and are the perfect companion for any practitioner needing to get up to speed with the latest changes. The Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004, introduces new powers for the police and courts to tackle offenders whilst ensuring that victims get the support and protection they need. The Act received Royal Assent at the end of 2004 and will have a significant impact on existing law and practice. Implementation of the Act will be rolled out in stages from April 2005. The new Act creates a number of important provisions for example: there are new procedures to deal with multiple offending; breach of non-molestation orders becomes a criminal offence; and causing or allowing the death of a child or vulnerable adult becomes a new offence. The Blackstone's Guide to the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004 provides a full, clear analysis of the Act and a detailed explanation of its many provisions. The Guide also explains how the Act interrelates with and amends related legislation. Criminal and family law practitioners, advisory services and support groups will find this an invaluable resource.

FOREWORD BY THE RIGHT HONOURABLE LORD JUSTICE JUDGE ; 1. Introduction ; 2. Changes to the Law on Domestic Violence ; 3. Causing or Allowing the Death of a Child or Vulnerable Adult ; 4. Evidence and Procedure: England and Wales ; 5. Domestic Homicide Reviews ; 6. Assault and Restraining Orders ; 7. Surcharges ; 8. Trial by Jury of Sample Counts Only ; 9. Unfitness to Plead and Insanity ; 10. Miscellaneous ; 11. Victims, Etc ; APPENDIX A - THE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, CRIME AND VICTIMS ACT 2004 ; APPENDIX B - CRIMINAL PROCEDURE INSANITY ACT 1964 SS 4, 5 AND 5A AS AMENDED ; APPENDIX C - FAMILY LAW ACT 1996, PART IV AS AMENDED ; APPENDIX D - PROTECTION FROM HARASSMENT ACT 1997 SS1 TO 7 AS AMENDED ; APPENDIX E - USEFUL ADDRESSES