Review use of plea deals in domestic violence and abuse cases

We are concerned that too many violent abusers avoid full accountability by pleading guilty to lesser charges while victims are left with lifelong trauma. Domestic abuse, strangulation, threats to kill, coercive control, and repeated violence must be treated with the seriousness they deserve. We call for reforms to stop serious offences being minimised through plea deals, ensure victims’ voices are heard, and make sentencing reflect the true impact of abuse.